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The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide to the Life and Work of the American Playwright

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Published in The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia Thomas S Hischak

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The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive guide to the life and work of the American playwright. It provides a detailed overview of Wilder's life and career, as well as in-depth analysis of his major works, including Our Town, The Skin of Our Teeth, and The Bridge of San Luis Rey.

The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia

by Thomas S. Hischak

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5049 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages

Written by leading Wilder scholar Thomas Hischak, the encyclopedia is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and general readers alike. It is a must-have for anyone interested in the life and work of one of America's most important playwrights.

Overview of Wilder's Life and Career

Thornton Wilder was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1897. He graduated from Yale University in 1920 and then studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He wrote his first play, The Trumpet Shall Sound, in 1926, but it was not until Our Town was produced in 1938 that he achieved widespread success.

Our Town is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play set in the small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. It tells the story of the Webb family and their friends and neighbors over a period of nine years. The play is a celebration of the simple joys of life and a reminder of the importance of community.

Wilder wrote a number of other successful plays, including The Skin of Our Teeth (1942),The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927),and The Matchmaker (1954). He also wrote novels, short stories, and essays. He died in 1975 at the age of 78.

Analysis of Wilder's Major Works

Wilder's plays are known for their lyrical language, their philosophical themes, and their innovative use of stagecraft. He was a master of the American idiom, and his plays are filled with rich and memorable characters.

Our Town is a classic example of Wilder's work. The play is written in a simple and direct style, but it is also deeply moving and profound. It explores the themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life.

The Skin of Our Teeth is a more complex and experimental play. It is a comedy that deals with the themes of war, violence, and the human condition. The play is set in a variety of time periods and locations, and it features a cast of characters that includes both humans and animals.

The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a novel that tells the story of five people who are killed in a bridge collapse in Peru. The novel explores the themes of fate, destiny, and the search for meaning in life.

Legacy of Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder is one of the most important American playwrights of the 20th century. His plays are still widely performed and studied today. He has been praised for his lyrical language, his philosophical themes, and his innovative use of stagecraft.

The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and general readers alike. It is a must-have for anyone interested in the life and work of one of America's most important playwrights.