Bertolt Brecht is one of the most prolific and influential writer-directors of the twentieth century. This fascinating anthology brings together in one volume many of the most important articles written about Brecht between 1957 and 1997. The collection explores a wide range of viewpoints about Brechts theatre theories and practice; as well as including three plays not otherwise available in English: The Beggar or The Dead Dog; Baden Lehrstuck and The Seven Deadly Sins of the Lower Middle Class. Editors Martin and Bial have brought together a unique compendium which covers all the key areas including: * the development of Brechts aesthetic theories * the relationship of Epic theatre to orthodox dramatic theatre * Brechts collaboration with Kurt Weill; Paul Dessau and Max Frisch * Brechts influence on a variety of cultures and contexts including England; Italy ; Moscow and Japan. Together these essays are an ideal companion to Brechts plays; and provide an invaluable reconsideration of Brechts work. Contributors include: Werner Hecht; Mordecai Gorelik; Eric Bentley; Jean-Paul Sartre; Kurt Weill; Ernst Bloch; Darko Suvin; Carl Weber; Paul Dessau; Denis Calandra; W. Stuart McDowell; Ernst Schmacher; Hans-Joachim Bunge; Martin Esslin; Artuto Lazzari; Tadashi Uchino; Diana Taylor; Elin Diamond; and Lee Baxandall.
#1060387 in eBooks 2005-08-08 2005-08-08File Name: B000OI19RG
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Coming from practice to study back again wasnt an easy thing to doBy MostafaI read this book during my first Ph.D. year. Coming from practice to study back again wasnt an easy thing to do. This book helped me to take a glance about the main discussions in the field. It is an eye-opening; inspirational espatially when synthesized with other readings from same authors. Moreover; the book well written and well organized.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Architectural Revolution by Information RevolutionBy Joongwon LeeWe all know that information revolution has totally transformed the society. Architecture is no exception. Relative to industrial revolutions impact on architecture; "what has this recent revolution done to the field?" is the basic inquiry to the book. This book diligently answers to the question. It is extremely informative and provocative regarding digital technologies available for architecture.As an outcome of a symposium held at U.Penn. in 2002; the book compiles various scholars and practitioners around the world. They grapple with the current technologies available to design and manufacture innovative shapes/forms/spaces that associate with digital aesthetics.Spearheaded researchers such as Bill Mitchell(MIT); Chris Luebkeman(Arup); Ali Rahim (U.Penn); and Branko Kolarevic (U.Penn; chief editor of the book); and; cutting-edge practitioners such as Jim Glymph (Gehry); Hugh Whitehead (Foster Partners); Bernhard Franken (Franken Architekten); etc.; both groups provide theoretical framework and actual applications.Its interesting to point out that the authors deliberately associated digital architecture with smooth forms. Double curvatures deform structure/ skin/ space of the building. The new modes of design and production enables that complex geometries to be part of building industry.As a reader; the most challenging claim of the book is that the authorsassert (some explicitly and some implicitly) on the new role of an architect. They believe that this new mode of production will revolutionize the client-architect-contractor relationship. Because architects will be the (single) dominant source of information on the three dimensionally morphed shape; manufacturers and fabricators would rely heavy on architects. The authors predict architect would regain absolute power of medieval master builders.11 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Great CompilationBy Karl R KowalskeThis book provides a great overview of the developing technolgies in digital design and fabrication. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a comprehensive study in the current trends in digital architecture. A series of 20+ articles by designers working in this area of architecture; this book updates the conversation to what is happening today and what is being projected in the future. Great resource!