WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
Inquiries and Opinions cover

Inquiries and Opinions

A series of critical essays surveying literature and the theatre at the turn of the century, relating literary problems to broader social and scientific changes. The author emphasizes technic as a teachable component of artistic success, alongside temperament and character, and defends craftsmanship in fiction and drama. He profiles and critiques prominent writers and genres—considering the detective story, short fiction, comic and realist traditions—and offers a sustained study of a leading dramatist and of contemporary stage practice. Additional essays address invention and imagination, the relation between the modern novel and the modern play, and practical matters of staging and stage-management.

By Brander Matthews
Open in WeRead Explore More Books Like This
Essays, Letters & SpeechesJournalism/Media/Writing

About This Book

A series of critical essays surveying literature and the theatre at the turn of the century, relating literary problems to broader social and scientific changes. The author emphasizes technic as a teachable component of artistic success, alongside temperament and character, and defends craftsmanship in fiction and drama. He profiles and critiques prominent writers and genres—considering the detective story, short fiction, comic and realist traditions—and offers a sustained study of a leading dramatist and of contemporary stage practice. Additional essays address invention and imagination, the relation between the modern novel and the modern play, and practical matters of staging and stage-management.

About the Author

Matthews, Brander portrait

Brander Matthews

Brander Matthews (1852-1929) was an American author, critic, and educator, recognized for his contributions to American literature and theater. He served as a professor of dramatic literature at Columbia University, where he influenced a generation of writers and playwrights. Matthews is known for his insightful essays on the theater, including "A Book About the Theater," which explores the art and craft of playwriting. His works often reflect a keen understanding of language and culture, as seen in titles like "Americanisms and Briticisms" and "Parts of Speech: Essays on English." Through his diverse writings, Matthews played a significant role in shaping the discourse around American drama and storytelling.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A Book About the Theater cover A Book About the Theater by Brander Matthews Americanisms and Briticisms; with other essays on other isms cover Americanisms and Briticisms; with other essays on other isms by Brander Matthews In Partnership: Studies in story-telling cover In Partnership: Studies in story-telling by Brander Matthews Parts of Speech: Essays on English cover Parts of Speech: Essays on English by Brander Matthews Playwrights on playmaking cover Playwrights on playmaking by Brander Matthews Tales of Fantasy and Fact cover Tales of Fantasy and Fact by Brander Matthews

You May Also Like

6 picks
"'Tis Sixty Years Since" / Address of Charles Francis Adams; Founders' Day, January 16, 1913 cover "'Tis Sixty Years Since" / Address of Charles Francis Adams; Founders' Day, January 16, 1913 by Charles Francis Adams "... és a felelősségtől való rettegés" cover "... és a felelősségtől való rettegés" by Émile Faguet "A Most Unholy Trade," Being Letters on the Drama by Henry James cover "A Most Unholy Trade," Being Letters on the Drama by Henry James by Henry James "About My Father's Business": Work Amidst the Sick, the Sad, and the Sorrowing cover "About My Father's Business": Work Amidst the Sick, the Sad, and the Sorrowing by Thomas Archer "America for Americans!" / The Typical American, Thanksgiving Sermon cover "America for Americans!" / The Typical American, Thanksgiving Sermon by John Philip Newman "Bethink Yourselves!" cover "Bethink Yourselves!" by graf Leo Tolstoy