From Library Journal
Psychologist Brenman-Gibson offers a profile of Odets that is more psychological than critical. LJ's reviewer commented that she leaves the literary criticism to "theater reviewers of the 1930s" and instead analyzes Odets's plays the way Freud interpreted dreams, "to reveal their latent content and to give a glimpse into the creative process." This remains "highly recommended" (LJ 10/15/81). Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Clifford Odets through his plays, which include "Waiting for Lefty" and "Awake" and "Sing!", was the champion of the oppressed, avenger for the poor. He and his plays, as presented by the influential Group Theatre, were the conscience of America during the Depression. Author Margaret Brenman-Gibson, a respected psychoanalyst and close personal friend, penned what is considered the classic biography of Odets. Based on exhaustive research, including access to his personal papers, plus her own insights into the man and his career, it is at last back in prtin. The book is richly annotated, with a thorough bibliography, personal chronology, a list of Odets' works, published and unpublished, and a section of rare photographs.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Clifford Odets through his plays, which include "Waiting for Lefty" and "Awake" and "Sing!", was the champion of the oppressed, avenger for the poor. He and his plays, as presented by the influential Group Theatre, were the conscience of America during the Depression. Author Margaret Brenman-Gibson, a respected psychoanalyst and close personal friend, penned what is considered the classic biography of Odets. Based on exhaustive research, including access to his personal papers, plus her own insights into the man and his career, it is at last back in prtin. The book is richly annotated, with a thorough bibliography, personal chronology, a list of Odets' works, published and unpublished, and a section of rare photographs.

SYNOPSIS

Written by a long-time friend and confidante of the playwright, this biography of Clifford Odets focuses on the connections between his plays, his life, and the times during which he wrote. The volume contains a section of b&w photographs of Odets along with his friends, family, and colleagues. Brenman-Gibson, who teaches psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, is engaged in a long-term study of the creative process. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal