Edward Bond
Edward Bond is a renowned British playwright, theatre director, poet, theorist, and screenwriter. Born on July 18, 1934, in Holloway, London, he is considered one of the major figures in the world of British theatre since the 1960s. Bond's work is known for its critical engagement with social and political issues, and his plays often explore themes of violence, oppression, and the human capacity for both brutality and empathy. His most famous works include 'Saved' (1965), which was instrumental in the abolition of theatre censorship in the UK, and 'The Sea' (1973), among others. Bond's style is characterized by a stark, challenging approach to drama and he has been influential in the development of modern British theatre.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Saved
"Saved" is a provocative and gritty drama that delves into the bleak and violent aspects of working-class life in 1960s London. The play confronts the audience with the disturbing indifference and cruelty among its characters, culminating in a shocking act of violence involving a baby. Through its unflinching examination of poverty, alienation, and the breakdown of family and social structures, the play presents a stark critique of the societal conditions that breed such despair and brutality, challenging the audience to reflect on the nature of salvation and the possibility of redemption amidst a seemingly inescapable cycle of degradation.
The 5492nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Fool
"The Fool" is a dramatic exploration of the life and times of a historical figure, an 18th-century English poet known for his madness and prophetic visions. Set against the backdrop of the harsh rural landscape and the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the play delves into the poet's tragic life, his struggles with mental illness, and the societal pressures that both inspire and torment him. The narrative weaves a poignant commentary on the nature of genius, the exploitation of the poor, and the destructive consequences of progress, as it portrays the poet's descent into despair and the ultimate cost of his sensitivity to the cruelties of his era.
The 7774th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Bingo
"Bingo" is a play that delves into the complex and tumultuous final days of a renowned English playwright during the 16th century. As he grapples with his waning creativity, the protagonist is also confronted with the harsh realities of enclosures and the suffering of the common people. The narrative weaves through themes of power, greed, and social injustice, juxtaposing the personal turmoil of the writer with the broader socio-political conflicts of the era. The play presents a stark and introspective examination of the human condition and the moral compromises that often accompany the pursuit of wealth and status.
The 10970th Greatest Book of All Time
