David Mamet has been described as the greatest living Americanplaywright of his generation and the quintessential American writer forhis work as author, essayist, playwright and screenwriter. His worksare known for their clever and terse dialogue and have earned him aPulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross and Oscar nominations for House of Games as well as The Spanish Prisoner, Wag the Dog, and The Verdict.
This comprehensive biography represents a landmark study of one ofthe great writers and directors of our time. Detailing Mamet's ideas onwriting,acting and directing, Nadel provides an insightful and authoritativeguide to the genesis, text and productions of many of his plays andscreenplays.
Beginning with his Chicago origins, the work goes on to coverMamet's relationship to Judaism, his reputation for machismo, as wellas discussions of and excerpts from early plays and stories that havenever before been referenced in print. Also included are interviewswith key actors and directors such as William H. Macy, Mike Nussbaum,Robert Brustein, and Neil Pepe.
