This book is the first introduction to unite accessible accounts not only of Beckett's life and work, but of the key literary and theoretical concepts used in the study of his writing.

Samuel Beckett's work forever changed the concepts of literature and theatre. His work remains a core part of introductory courses on literary history, drama, theatre or performance and also features in more specialist modules such as Modernism or The Absurd. Samuel Beckett is a comprehensive introduction to his life and work as well as an outline of the critical issues surrounding his work. This guidebook leaves judgements up to the student by explaining the full range of often very different critical views and interpretations and offers guides to further reading in each area discussed.

Do you want to know why Beckett has become a figure of such continuing influence and importance in the theatre? Are you studying his plays and looking for help with interpretation? Do you teach Beckett and need a reliable guide to his plays? A Faber Critical Guide to Samuel Beckett's major work gives all this and more: An introduction to the distinctive features of the playwright's work The significance of the playwright in the context of modern theatre A detailed analysis of each of the classic plays: language, structure and character features of performance select bibliography Compiled by experts in their field, for use in classroom, college or at home, Faber Critical Guides are the essential companions to the work of all leading dramatists. Also in this series: Faber Critical Guides to the major works of Sean O'Casey, Brian Friel, Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard.

Thomas Hardy was the foremost novelist of his time, as well as an established poet. This guide provides students with a lucid introduction to Hardy's life and works and the basis for a sound comprehension of his work.

This volume offers the broadest range of information on Jonson and his works, from background on contexts to details of recent interpretations of his plays.

This volume is part of a series of comprehensive, user-friendly introductions which offer basic information on an author's life, contexts and works.

The Nobel Prize winning author Samuel Beckett is a literary treasure, and this work represents the only comprehensive reference to the concepts, characters, and biographical details mentioned by, or related to, Beckett. Painstakingly and lovingly compiled by acclaimed Beckett scholars C.J. Ackerley and S.E. Gontarski, it is alphabetical, cross-referenced, and laid out in a very user-friendly format. The Grove Companion to Samuel Beckett provides an organized trove of information for students and scholars alike, and is a must for any serious reader of Beckett. As most Beckettians know, “reading [him] for the first time is an experience like no other in modern literature.” (Paul Auster)