
Images of Beckett
Cambridge University Press
Published on 11. September 2003
Book
Hardback
174 pages
978-0-521-82258-9 (ISBN)
Description
Images of Beckett combines John Haynes' unique repertoire of photographs of Beckett's dramatic opus alongside three newly written essays by Beckett's biographer and friend, James Knowlson. Haynes captures images of Beckett's work in progress and performance and includes hitherto unknown portraits of Beckett himself. Haynes was privileged to be present at the Royal Court Theatre, London, when Beckett directed his own plays. Amongst the 75 plates are compositions that include the leading interpreters of the plays. Knowlson's first essay combines a verbal portrait of Beckett with a personal memoir of the writer; the second considers the influence of paintings that Beckett loved or admired on his theatrical imagery; and the third offers a detailed, often first-hand, account of Beckett's work as a director of his own plays. The essays are the result of personal conversations with Beckett and attendance at rehearsals, and provide a privileged glimpse into the world of one of the theatre's most influential and enduring playwrights.
Reviews / Votes
'... these theatre photos are among the most resonant of the past century ... Haynes doesn't so much snap a production as x-ray its heart ... Biographer Knowlson examines Beckett's character ... visual influences and directorial working method in three beautiful essays that go well beyond the merely dutiful in this tremendous picture book.' Plays International 'A stunning collection ...' London Review of BooksMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
81 Halftones, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 257 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
728 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-82258-9 (9780521822589)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Images of Beckett
Text by James Knowlson
E-Book
02/2005
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€36.99
Available for download
Persons
John Haynes' previous book Taking the Stage with an introduction by Lindsay Anderson has become a classic of theatre photography. He was privileged to work alongside Samuel Beckett when he was directing his plays at the Royal Court Theatre in the seventies and John was photographer in residence. Haynes continues to work with the leading directors and actors of British contemporary theatre. James Knowlson is the author of the major Beckett biography, Damned to Fame. The Life of Samuel Beckett (Bloomsbury, 1996). He is also the author of ten other books on or editions of Beckett. He was a personal friend of Samuel Beckett for twenty years.
Content
Preface and Acknowledgements; List of Illustrations; 1. A Portrait of Beckett; 2. Images of Beckett; 3. Beckett as Director; Notes; Index.