John Spurling Books

In this vibrant, gripping and often grisly retelling of the Greek myths, stories of murder, power, revenge, love, and traumatic family relationships are made new again for our time with wit and relish by a gifted author. Spurling has added scene, dialogue, and context, while always staying true to the spirit of the original myth. Taking as his starting point many of the famous tourist sites in the Peloponnese, where the stories are set, John Spurling freshly imagines key narratives from the Greek canon, including tales of the doomed house of Atreus (notably Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks at Troy, murdered by his wife in his palace bathroom); of the god Apollo; goddess Athene; Theseus, scourge of the Minotaur; the Twelve Labors of Heracles; and Perseus, rescuer of Andromeda.

Offering a vibrant and engaging exploration of Beckett's theatre, this book delves into the unique elements of his plays, highlighting their innovative structure and profound themes. It provides readers with insights into the complexities of his characters and the existential questions they grapple with, making it an essential resource for both newcomers and seasoned fans of Beckett's work. The lively approach invites a deeper understanding of his contributions to modern drama.

This book, first published in 1985, stresses Beckett's success as an innovator in the theatre through a close reading and analysis of his plays. 'Their analysis is clever yet level-headed, readable but does not shirk complexities.' (TES). 'Brilliant collection of essays on Beckett and his works.' (Irish Times)