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John Osborne

    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.

    John Osborne
    John Osborne Plays 2
    Looking Back
    My Car Plays Tapes
    West of Suez
    The Meiningen Court Theatre 1866 1890
    The Meiningen Court Theatre 1866-1890
    • 2023

      Rome in the Ninth Century

      A History in Art

      • 348 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      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.

      Rome in the Ninth Century
    • 2022

      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.

      My Car Plays Tapes
    • 2021

      Luther. A Play

      • 110 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. Scholars have selected it for its importance, highlighting its role in understanding historical and societal developments.

      Luther. A Play
    • 2018

      'Dearest Squirrel...'

      • 416 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      A completely fresh insight into the mind of one of the UK's greatest playwrights, the letters between John Osborne and his first wife, actress Pamela Lane. His groundbreaking play 'Look Back in Anger' was based on this turbulent marriage.

      'Dearest Squirrel...'
    • 2011

      This 1988 book examines the emergence of the Meiningen Court Theatre company in the late nineteenth century, highlighting its influence on theatrical practices and the evolution of performance art during that era.

      The Meiningen Court Theatre 1866 1890
    • 2010

      A hilarious and quirky story of an obsession with buying things from newsagents' windows and a year of self-discovery ...

      The Newsagent's Window
    • 2006

      The Meiningen Court Theatre 1866-1890

      • 232 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Focusing on the late nineteenth-century theatrical revolution, this book explores the rise of the Meiningen Court Theatre under Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen. It combines contemporary documents, photographs, and sketches to provide insight into the company's innovative style and staging techniques. The author highlights the Duke's directorial approach and examines key productions like Julius Caesar and Prinz Friedrich von Homburg. The Meiningen Company’s influence on future theater directors across Europe is also emphasized, marking its significance in modern theatrical history.

      The Meiningen Court Theatre 1866-1890
    • 1999

      Almost every page confirms that his powers as an elegist, definer of the Zeitgeist and master of unforgiving disgust remain undimmed.' ObserverThis volume also contains 'Bad John', a review by Alan Bennett of A Better Class of Person, and David Hare's eulogy for John Osborne at the memorial service for Osborne in 1995.

      Looking Back
    • 1999

      Plays for England

      • 240 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      New editions of major plays by one of the twentieth century's most influential playwrights.

      Plays for England
    • 1998

      German Naturalism is explored through its defining characteristics, achievements, and its place within the broader context of European literary movements. The book delves into the themes and techniques that distinguish German Naturalism, highlighting its impact on literature and its comparison with similar movements across Europe. By examining key works and figures, it provides insights into the cultural and historical influences that shaped this literary period, offering a comprehensive understanding of its significance in the evolution of modern literature.

      Gerhard Hauptmann and the Naturalist Drama