The Bronx River flows for twenty-three miles through Westchester County and the heart of the Bronx. It is New York Citys only freshwater river; and it is exceptionally rich in history; folklore and environmental wonder. From Revolutionary War battlefields to native forests and lost villages; its lore and remarkable history are peopled with an array of legendary characters like Aaron Burr and the redoubtable Aunt Sarah Titus. Today; the once-polluted river is revitalized by decades of citizen activism; and it once again plays a unique role in the diverse communities along its length. Stephen DeVillo traces the rivers long and colorful story from the glaciers to the present day; combining human history; local legends and natural history into a detailed portrait of a special part of New York.
#2334458 in eBooks 2015-04-20 2015-04-20File Name: B00YN31WA2
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Intro to Playwriting and Creating a Life as a PlaywrightBy Kara EmilyI am in the fortunate position to state that I will be attending New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA) next month to begin my Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Stage Screen. Buzz McLaughlin is not only the author of this book but also the director of that program; and after finishing this book today; I am thrilled to be an incoming student of this program.Even if I were not about to enter into my MFA program; after reading this book I would feel confident and increasingly competent regarding my ability to create a life for myself as a playwright in the theater.The first half of the book focuses on the craft of playwriting; and doing the actual work. This is a sticking point for me; and the one I am most concerned with as I turn my life towards that of being a playwright. There are some important aspects of style; form; and consistency that I read and re-read; taking margin notes; knowing that these are aspects of the field that I need to play close attention to. I believe in the Muse and artistic combustion; but I also believe in having the tools necessary to create the art of which you dream. Together; having both the tools/knowledge and the muse/inspiration can create magic.Having recently (last month) self-produced my first full length comedy; I connected with so many aspects of this book; but rather than feeling repetitive or obvious for me; it was invigorating - and I truly wish I had read this book prior to embarking on my first full-length foray; from beginning to end (first draft to production). I would have altered some of my practices; and certainly implemented them better.This book balances practical; pragmatic suggestions while also tapping into the emotional saliency and mystery of what we do. Interwoven throughout are fascinating; perfectly placed quotations by some of the best playwrights; most of them personally interviewed by the author. They are carefully chosen and utilized; and certainly inspiring. Rather than being an opportunity for the author to namedrop; these quotes heightened my understanding of the concept(s) at hand; and added to the humanity and human connection of the craft.Although certain "rules"; concepts and suggestions might be strongly asserted and encouraged; McLaughlin carefully treads that balance between best practices and artistic creation; completely aware and encouraging of exceptions to the rule and/or creative license to do what we please; how we please; to create the art that we please. But we are assured that it at least helps to be cognizant and competent in what would be considered the best practices in the field; or at the very least to know the rules before we break them.I am very impressed with this book; and will be revisiting it repeatedly throughout my time developing this magnificent and fascinating craft. How exciting!13 of 14 people found the following review helpful. A must for would-be writersBy Nick HI wish I would have read this book six years ago. McLaughlins book follows the playwrights process from conception to completion -- offering practical exercises and also advice from leading contemporary playwrights. The true brilliance of this book; other than its stunningly lucid practicality; is supporting quotes from working playwrights; who expound in keen detail on the playwrighting process. The title of this book is misleading. This book is just as pertinent to screenwriters and fiction writers. It offers practical advice for problems every writer encounters. In particular; the "Playwrights Process" presents helpful exercises on nursing an initial idea into a functional; three-dimensional story. Rather than impress readers with his knowledge of theatre vocabulary; McLaughlin charts a clear course for readers by focusing on the elements of playwrighting most newcomers struggle with -- particularly structure (character development; plotting; etc.). What makes this book so pragmatic is that McLaughlin; an experienced teacher and playwright; asks relevant questions concerning the mechanics of playwrighting. The playwrights quotes arent presented in a round table fashion; but rather in response to insightful questions. This book covers all angles. It address the nuts and bolts of story writing; and also touches on issues like writers block; and more importantly; how to deal with it. I was depressed after reading this book because I felt I had wasted six years; aimlessly throwing ideas and characters onto the page. If you are an aspiring screenwriter and have read Syd Fields "Screenplay;" place it on your reference shelf. The "Playwrights Process" should be your writing Bible.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I know that this is a book on playwriting; ...By The Reader 1991I know that this is a book on playwriting; but I found myself using what I learned in all of my writing. I havent read too many books on writing; so I may not be an expert on these kinds of books. Regardless; this book resonated well with me and helped me simplify the writing process.
