A Dictionary of the Avant-Gardes recognizes that change is a driving force in all the arts. It covers major trends in music; dance; theater; film; visual art; sculpture; and performance art--as well as architecture; science; and culture.
#927790 in eBooks 2013-05-31 2013-05-22File Name: B00CWYPTLC
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Veddy interesting.By Marges OpinionSome of the reviews are 15-20 years old and some plays I have never seen. Therefore; some reviews were relevant and fun; and some not. A great read for theater buffs. His short story re his cat is one of the funniest Ive ever read on cats.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Old Reviews Are Good ReadingBy Erik ShermanIll admit (and; probably; commit) the tediousness of many reviewers. Sanctimonious and certain; they often slash and burn their way across a landscape that they know only as outsiders. But now and then you find someone who understands a topic deeply; has experience in it; and a sharp and humane eye; all while being amusing. Id place John Heilpern in this category if his work didnt do so itself.Theater critic for the New York Observer; Heilpern is passionate about the topic; has seen his own plays produced; and has an unusually keep wit. Although his latest book is a biography of the British playwright; John Osborne; I came across How Good Is David Mamet; Anyway?; which came out in 1999; in a used book store. Ill confess to never having read Heilperns work before - it was the title that got me; as Im not the worlds largest Mamet fan; at least in the non-fiction of his that Ive read of late. And its fairly unusual for someone in the theatrical community to take on a contemporary icon.But take him on Heilpern did; as well as writers at the New York Times; American anglophilia; Disney Land (the new name for Broadway); and other topics. At the same time; hes anything but mean-spirited. Many of his pieces put praise where he thinks its due and tries to analyze what is good and bad about productions. Many of his observations run from the droll to the uproariously funny. And where else can you get a delightful transcript of a lunch between Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson.If youve any regard for theater; or for intelligent criticism of any sort; you should be tickled with this book. Now Ill have to get hold of a copy of his Osborne biography.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. How Good Is John Heilpern; Anyway?By A CustomerAt last; readers beyond the subscription list of the New York Observer have the opportunity to read one of the most gifted--and funniest--writers around. As it happens; this book is a collection of his writing on theater (save for the non-theatrical; though rivetingly dramatic; account of Heilperns struggle with a murderous roommate named Jack the Cat); but this work is a delight for anyone who appreciates finely tuned yet uproarious humor; a handsome prose style and a sensibility that is at once erudite; entertaining and inviting. How good is John Heilperns "How Good Is David Mamet; Anyway?" anyway? Peerless.