David Mamet: A Life in the Theatre

The first major biography of this celebrated American writer An authoritative guide to Mamet's life and work that provides detailed consideration of his work for screen and stage Mamet is one of the more celebrated American writers whose work has enjoyed considerable success both in the US and the UK Awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his 1983 play Glengarry Glen Ross that had its world premiere at the National Theatre in London and which scooped numerous awards on Broadway the following year Mamet's work is often staged in the UK with a major revival of Glengarry Glen Ross on the West End at the end of 2007

The definitive biography of one of America's most celebrated playwrights whose Pulitzer Prize -winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross, was revived in the West End in 2007. This landmark study provides a comprehensive account of his life, work and ideas on writing, acting and directing.David Mamet has been described as the greatest living American playwright of his generation and the quintessential American writer for his work as author, essayist, playwright and screenwriter. His works are known for their clever and terse dialogue and have earned him a Pulitzer 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 of the great writers and directors of our time. Detailing Mamet's ideas on writing, acting and directing, Nadel provides an insightful and authoritative guide to the genesis, text and productions of many of his plays and screenplays. Beginning with his Chicago origins, the work goes on to cover Mamet's relationship to Judaism, his reputation for machismo, as well as discussions of and excerpts from early plays and stories that have never before been referenced in print. Also included are interviews with key actors and directors such as William H. Macy, Mike Nussbaum, Robert Brustein, and Neil Pepe.