Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937); best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan; was a Scottish author and dramatist whose works have enjoyed frequent revivals in film and on stage. One of his most penetrating and socially critical plays was "The Admirable Crichton"; which first appeared in 1902 at the Duke of Yorks Theatre in London. The comical play deals with questions of social hierarchy; and sheds light on a society where rank is established by birth; not by intelligence or ability. Crichton; the main character; is a respectful butler in the house of Lord Loam; quite content with his station in life. However; when he and a group of British aristocrats become stranded on a desert island; a startling role reversal takes place. Less shocking now than to the theatre-going public of 1902; the themes of natural selection and a flawed class-system in "The Admirable Crichton" are still very relevant today.
#362236 in eBooks 2008-10-28 2008-10-28File Name: B004TNH6WO
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Michael PerezI liked that the emphasis wasnt purely biographical but centered more on the evolution of his sound.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. best insightBy J. Nickersonas a jazz guy ive read all the great coltrane books but this one by a jazz critic/journalist has more of a spiritual insight thinkinabout trane and has a bit more bite because of a bit of criticism reported about trane from people of the past. not just unadulterated praise for the master.. just a feeling i get from the read: like we know trane the man and not just the legend.. the imperfections were refreshing.. we dont need or demand that trane be perfect.. hes just perfect as he is.. thanks ben. great read man :-)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent explanation of the work of John ColtraneBy Al WatskyBen Ratliffs book is about Coltranes work not a biography but an analysis of the music and the concepts behind it.A great read and very informative .Well worth the read.
