The Autobiography of a Play Papers on Play-Making, II By: Bronson Howard (1842-1908)
In "The Autobiography of a Play: Papers on Play-Making, II," Bronson Howard takes readers on an insightful journey into the world of play-making, offering a captivating account of his experiences as a playwright and shedding light on the intricate processes that give birth to a stage masterpiece. Through his eloquent and illuminating writing, Howard delves deep into the art of playwriting, providing aspiring writers and theater enthusiasts with invaluable lessons. Howard's autobiography is structured in a manner that seamlessly combines personal anecdotes, reflections, and practical advice, creating a harmonious flow that engages readers from start to finish. His use of vivid storytelling paints a vibrant picture of the challenges and triumphs he encountered throughout his career, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in his world. One of the highlights of this book is Howard's commitment to detail, leaving no stone unturned in his explanations of the creative process. He deconstructs the various stages of play-making, from the initial spark of an idea to its full realization on the stage. Howard's anecdotes about his collaborations with actors, directors, and other playwrights provide genuine insights into the complexities of bringing a script to life. Moreover, "The Autobiography of a Play" serves as a historical artifact, giving readers a glimpse into the theater world during the late 19th century. Howard's firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by playwrights and the ever-evolving relationship between the theater and society offer a unique perspective. This aspect of the book not only adds depth to Howard's story but also educates readers about the context in which he operated. However, it is important to note that this autobiography may not appeal to those seeking a light and casual read. For readers with a genuine interest in the art of theater, Howard's detailed accounts of his work will be rewarding and educational. Nevertheless, some individuals may find the dense narratives and technical jargon to be overwhelming, hindering their enjoyment of the book. In conclusion, "The Autobiography of a Play" is an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of the art of play-making. Bronson Howard's talent for storytelling, coupled with his deep understanding of the theater world, makes for a compelling read. Despite its potential to overwhelm certain readers, this autobiography is a rich source of knowledge for anyone seeking a behind-the-scenes look at the theater and the creative process that brings stories to life on stage. First Page: PAPERS ON PLAY MAKING II The Autobiography of a Play by BRONSON HOWARD WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY AUGUSTUS THOMAS Printed for the Dramatic Museum of Columbia University in the City of New York MCMXIV CONTENTS Introduction by Augustus Thomas The Autobiography of a Play by Bronson Howard Notes by B. M. INTRODUCTION The qualities that made Bronson Howard a dramatist, and then made him the first American dramatist of his day, were his human sympathy, his perception, his sense of proportion, and his construction. With his perception, his proportion, and his construction, respectively, he could have succeeded as a detective, as an artist, or as a general. It was his human sympathy, his wish and his ability to put himself in the other man's place, that made play writing definitely attractive to him. As a soldier he would have shown the courage of the dogged defender in the trench or the calmly supervising general at headquarters, rather than the mad bravery that carried the flag at the front of a forlorn hope. His gifts were intellectual. His writing was more disciplined than inspired. If we shall claim for him genius, it must be preferably the genius of infinite pains. He saw intimately and clearly. His proportion made him write with discretion and a proper sense of cumulative emphasis, and his construction enabled him so to combine his materials as to secure this effect... Continue reading book >>

The Autobiography of a Play Papers on Play-Making, II By: Bronson Howard (1842-1908)

In "The Autobiography of a Play: Papers on Play-Making, II," Bronson Howard takes readers on an insightful journey into the world of play-making, offering a captivating account of his experiences as a playwright and shedding light on the intricate processes that give birth to a stage masterpiece. Through his eloquent and illuminating writing, Howard delves deep into the art of playwriting, providing aspiring writers and theater enthusiasts with invaluable lessons.

Howard's autobiography is structured in a manner that seamlessly combines personal anecdotes, reflections, and practical advice, creating a harmonious flow that engages readers from start to finish. His use of vivid storytelling paints a vibrant picture of the challenges and triumphs he encountered throughout his career, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in his world.

One of the highlights of this book is Howard's commitment to detail, leaving no stone unturned in his explanations of the creative process. He deconstructs the various stages of play-making, from the initial spark of an idea to its full realization on the stage. Howard's anecdotes about his collaborations with actors, directors, and other playwrights provide genuine insights into the complexities of bringing a script to life.

Moreover, "The Autobiography of a Play" serves as a historical artifact, giving readers a glimpse into the theater world during the late 19th century. Howard's firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by playwrights and the ever-evolving relationship between the theater and society offer a unique perspective. This aspect of the book not only adds depth to Howard's story but also educates readers about the context in which he operated.

However, it is important to note that this autobiography may not appeal to those seeking a light and casual read. For readers with a genuine interest in the art of theater, Howard's detailed accounts of his work will be rewarding and educational. Nevertheless, some individuals may find the dense narratives and technical jargon to be overwhelming, hindering their enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, "The Autobiography of a Play" is an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of the art of play-making. Bronson Howard's talent for storytelling, coupled with his deep understanding of the theater world, makes for a compelling read. Despite its potential to overwhelm certain readers, this autobiography is a rich source of knowledge for anyone seeking a behind-the-scenes look at the theater and the creative process that brings stories to life on stage.

First Page:

PAPERS ON PLAY MAKING

The Autobiography of a Play

BRONSON HOWARD

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY

AUGUSTUS THOMAS

Printed for the Dramatic Museum of Columbia University

in the City of New York

MCMXIV

CONTENTS

Introduction by Augustus Thomas The Autobiography of a Play by Bronson Howard Notes by B. M.

INTRODUCTION

The qualities that made Bronson Howard a dramatist, and then made him the first American dramatist of his day, were his human sympathy, his perception, his sense of proportion, and his construction. With his perception, his proportion, and his construction, respectively, he could have succeeded as a detective, as an artist, or as a general. It was his human sympathy, his wish and his ability to put himself in the other man's place, that made play writing definitely attractive to him. As a soldier he would have shown the courage of the dogged defender in the trench or the calmly supervising general at headquarters, rather than the mad bravery that carried the flag at the front of a forlorn hope. His gifts were intellectual. His writing was more disciplined than inspired. If we shall claim for him genius, it must be preferably the genius of infinite pains.

He saw intimately and clearly. His proportion made him write with discretion and a proper sense of cumulative emphasis, and his construction enabled him so to combine his materials as to secure this effect... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Play
War stories

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