In this book Nicholas Grene explores political contexts for some of the outstanding Irish plays from the nineteenth century to the contemporary period. The politics of Irish drama have previously been considered primarily the politics of national self-expression. Here it is argued that Irish plays; in their self-conscious representation of the otherness of Ireland; are outwardly directed towards audiences both at home and abroad. The political dynamics of such relations between plays and audiences is the books multiple subject: the stage interpretation of Ireland from The Shaughraun to Translations; the contentious stage images of Yeats; Gregory and Synge; reactions to revolution from OCasey to Behan; the post-colonial worlds of Purgatory and All that Fall; the imagined Irelands of Friel and Murphy; McGuinness and Barry. With its fundamental reconception of the politics of Irish drama; this book represents an alternative view of the phenomenon of Irish drama itself.
#96667 in eBooks 2008-08-26 2008-08-26File Name: B001EVNM3Q
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Accurate picture of a PA steel town in early - mid 20th CenturyBy Discriminating buyerNot only does this excellent book give new insights to this Donora-raised gal in the 1940s and 1950s; it is an accurate depiction of life in that small steel town over many decades.Each picture is accompanied by a short paragraph describing the scene and; occasionally; the implications of living in an industrial town.Donora has a unique area; called Cement City. About 80 cement homes were built for mill management in 1917-1918. They all still stand; a mute testament to their durability. They have been placed -- deservedly -- on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a number of glass plate pictures showing the building of Cement City. Hopefully; another book will be published about this special piece of American history.A major part of Donoras extraordinary history is the 1948 first internationally-recognized "smog" which killed at least 20 people. The "Smog" eventually led to the recognition of dangerous; similar conditions in London and other cities around the world. It also led to Clean Air legislation in the US and elsewhere.Unfortunately; Donora has been in a decline for decades; since US Steel shut the mill down in 1961. I go back every year to visit relatives who still live in the area and am so sorry to see the changes. For many who no longer live in the area; roots remain deep in this family-oriented; education-encouraged town.This book is an important work for epidemiologists and environmentalists and should be included in many libraries; public and private.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. donora girlBy pgh girlI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mostly its pictures of a bygone era; but thats what I liked about it. I was born and raised in Donora; but this book showed me a hometown that was foreign to me. Everything looked--and felt--different. I know the Donora from the 1950s and 1960s--this book was Donora from 1901. The authors takes on work ethic and religion were on target. They know that a picture is worth a thousand words and I found myself staring at people in the pictures longer than I should have; wondering if they knew they would make a girl born in 1953 proud of her hometown. I doubt it--life was hard enough back then without worrying about a future residents feelings. Best of all; the authors successfully showed that Donora was/is more than the Great Smog and sports. Also; I learned that; at the beginning of the 20th century; it was common for a funeral home to also be in the furniture business. Sorry; I find this funny.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy John J. VaskoYes enjpyed
