American Drama, 1918-1940: A Survey of Research and Criticism

Abstract

STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS OF AMERICAN DRAMA HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL quite variety of reference tools. Among the more general bibliographical aids, the standard work is Blanche M. Baker's Theatre and Allied Arts-A Guide to Books Dealing With the History, Criticism, and Technic of the and Theatre and Related Arts and Crafts (New York: Wilson, 1952). Baker provides a descriptive list of books dealing with the drama and the various arts and crafts of the theatre, for the use of professional and amateur artists and craftsmen, actors, drama students, and librarians, as well as the playgoer and general reader. Included are 6,000 books published between 1885 and 1950. Particularly useful is Drama and TheatreUnited States and Canada (pp. 163-89) which lists historical works, biographies, and critical volumes. Ralph Newman Schoolcraft's Performing Arts Books in Print-An Annotated Bibliography (New York: Book Specialists, 1973) contains, in its section on Theatre and Drama, similarly helpful compilation. Quarterly supplements update this original volume. Three worthwhile reference works on modern drama are available. Irving Adelman and Rita Dworkin's Modern Drama-A Checklist of Critical Literature on 20th Century Plays (Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow, 1967) is arranged alphabetically by playwright, with general discussions and discussions of individual plays listed for each figure. Books, critical articles, and some first-night reviews are included. Somewhat more comprehensive in its coverage is Paul Francis Breed and Florence M. Sniderman's Dramatic