Thornton Wilder was an American playwright and novelist whose works often delve into universal themes of human existence and societal values. He masterfully wove humor with profound reflection, earning acclaim for his unique ability to capture the essence of human life. Wilder's plays and novels explore the complexities of relationships, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in everyday experiences. His influence on modern drama and literature is undeniable, as his works continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
The narrative revolves around the tragic collapse of an Inca rope bridge in Peru, which claims the lives of several interconnected individuals. A friar, who witnesses the disaster, embarks on a quest to uncover the backstories of the victims, exploring their lives and the circumstances that brought them to the bridge. His investigation delves into profound themes of fate and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.
A young American student spends a year in the exotic world of post-World War I Rome. While there, he experiences firsthand the waning days of a secret community (a "cabala") of decaying royalty, a great cardinal of the Roman Church, and an assortment of memorable American ex-pats. The Cabala, a semiautobiographical novel of unforgettable characters and human passions, launched Wilder's career as a celebrated storyteller and dramatist
The enduring power of Thornton Wilder's work lies in its ability to connect audiences to their shared humanity through the theater. His plays resonate with timeless themes that encourage reflection and understanding among people. The description highlights the importance of live performance in preserving Wilder's legacy and the universal truths found in his storytelling.
This stand-alone edition features Thornton Wilder's acclaimed play, known for its wit and humor, which served as the inspiration for the beloved Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!. The edition includes an insightful afterword by Tappan Wilder, providing additional context and reflections on the work. Celebrated for its engaging characters and lively dialogue, the play captures the charm and vibrancy of its era, making it a timeless piece of theatre.
"An Eternal Family narrowly escape one disaster after another, from ancient times to the present. Meet George and Maggie Antrobus (married only 5,000 years); their two children, Gladys and Henry (perfect in every way!); and their maid, Sabina (the ageless vamp) as they overcome ice, flood, and war -- by the skin of their teeth."--Amazon
A symbolical play about a man named Francis who bears an unspeakable burden of sin and who is now plighted to Lady Poverty-- a crazy woman who once knew a Francis and once was untrue to her husband and bears the marks and symbols of lust.
Drawing on such unique sources as Thornton Wilder's unpublished letters, journals, and selections from the extensive annotations Wilder made years later in the margins of the book, Tappan Wilder's Afterword adds a special dimension to the reissue of this internationally acclaimed novel. The Ides of March, first published in 1948, is a brilliant epistolary novel set in Julius Caesar's Rome. Thornton Wilder called it "a fantasia on certain events and persons of the last days of the Roman republic." Through vividly imagined letters and documents, Wilder brings to life a dramatic period of world history and one of history's most magnetic, elusive personalities. In this inventive narrative, the Caesar of history becomes Caesar the human being. Wilder also resurrects the controversial figures surrounding Caesar -- Cleopatra, Catullus, Cicero, and others. All Rome comes crowding through these pages -- the Rome of villas and slums, beautiful women and brawling youths, spies and assassins.
Exploring themes of justice and destiny, this National Book Award winner presents a philosophical whodunit set in small-town America, reminiscent of Wilder's earlier work. The narrative revolves around a wrongful murder conviction and a daring rescue, showcasing the power of the human will. Additionally, the collection includes Wilder's last novel, a nostalgic portrayal of 1920s Newport, and three unpublished reminiscences from his unfinished autobiography, reflecting on his childhood in China, Yale experiences, and a poignant visit to Salzburg before the Nazi annexation.
Set in nineteenth-century Yonkers, the story follows wealthy merchant Horace Vandergelder as he seeks a wife with the help of matchmaker Dolly Levi. As Dolly navigates the romantic entanglements of Vandergelder's clerks and various charming ladies, the plot unfolds into a comedic series of misunderstandings and complications. Ultimately, the twists lead Vandergelder to an unexpected engagement with Dolly herself, highlighting themes of love and matchmaking in a lively farcical setting.