Spanning from Charlemagne's coronation in 800 to the decline of the Roman Church a century later, this work examines Rome's material culture through architecture, artifacts, and historical texts. It highlights the city's initial wealth and artistic patronage, followed by a period of impoverishment and decline. John Osborne challenges the belief that the Franco-papal alliance caused a cultural rift between Rome and the eastern Mediterranean. Richly illustrated, this book is vital for those interested in the complexities of medieval Rome.
John Osborne Book order (chronological)
December 12, 1929 – December 24, 1994
John Osborne was an English playwright whose work dramatically transformed English theatre. Throughout a prolific career, he explored numerous themes and genres, writing for stage, film, and television. He became known for his ornate and often violent language, used not only to critique political issues but also in personal relationships. Osborne was among the first writers to openly question the role of the monarchy and address Britain's post-imperial identity, bringing the complex realities of the postwar era to the prominence of the public stage.
Focusing on John Osborne's experiences as a support worker, this narrative intertwines his life with a nostalgic journey through the music and memories evoked by old tapes from the 1990s. The storytelling captivates readers by exploring themes of memory, connection, and the impact of music on personal identity.
Blick Zurück Im Zorn / Déjàvu
- 270 pages
- 10 hours of reading
This play about the life and work of a second-rate music hall comic (brilliantly created by Sir Laurence Olivier in the original production) has become a classic of 20th century drama.
Luther
A Play
Luther is a play by John James Osborne that explored the forces that were involved in the life of the famous reformer. Osborne was influenced by Erik Erikson's book, Young Man Luther, which had been published 3 years prior in 1958. In the play, Luther's reputed constipation played a part in the course of Luther's life & career. Osborne takes Luther to task for his Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525) & its call for vigorous suppression of the peasants in the Peasants' Revolt (1524-26). Osborne has Luther giving a philosophically & theologically good answer to the challenge, consistent with Luther's own thinking. This would seem to exculpate Osborne of any accusation of being totally one-sided against Luther. Luther seems to have been a disappointment to Osborne, since he could have followed thru in his life as a revolutionary. He does have Johann von Staupitz, although at a time when the historical person would have been dead at least a year, telling Luther: "We owe so much to you." The play was made into a film, starring Stacy Keach, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Hugh Griffith, Patrick Magee, & Robert Stephens in 1974.
West of Suez
- 86 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Set on a Caribbean Island, colonial and emotional empires in deca. The main character of this play, the elderly novelist Wyatt Gillman, resembles a fading Evelyn Waugh who has become a spent force and a prophet opposed to change.
