Lanford Wilson

Lanford Wilson was an American playwright known for his work in the Off-Off-Broadway and Off-Broadway theater movements. He was a founding member of the Circle Repertory Company and received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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.

  1. 1. Talley's Folly

    A Play in Two Acts

    The play is a romantic tale set in an old, dilapidated Victorian boathouse in Missouri during World War II. It unfolds over the course of one evening, as two unlikely lovers, Matt Friedman, a Jewish immigrant accountant from St. Louis, and Sally Talley, a nurse from a conservative Protestant family, engage in a poignant dialogue that reveals their pasts, their fears, and their hopes. Through their conversation, they confront social prejudices, family disapproval, and their own insecurities, ultimately finding a connection that transcends the folly of the boathouse and the era's societal constraints. The play is a lyrical exploration of love, acceptance, and the courage it takes to pursue happiness against all odds.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Balm In Gilead

    "Balm in Gilead" is a play set in a rundown diner in New York City's Upper Broadway neighborhood, where the lives of prostitutes, junkies, and petty criminals intersect. Over the course of three days, the characters' stories unfold, revealing their struggles, desires, and quests for redemption amidst the harsh realities of urban life. The play is known for its raw, unfiltered dialogue and its ensemble cast, creating a vivid tapestry that captures the essence of a marginalized community living on the fringes of society. Through their interactions, the characters search for a 'balm in Gilead'—a healing and comfort in a world that seems bereft of hope.

    The 17057th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Rimers Of Eldritch

    Set in a decaying Midwestern town, this play unravels the complex web of secrets, lies, and moral ambiguities that define its inhabitants. Through a series of interwoven narratives and flashbacks, the story explores themes of isolation, judgment, and the struggle for redemption. As the townspeople grapple with a mysterious murder, their hidden prejudices and hypocrisies come to light, revealing the darker undercurrents of small-town life. The narrative challenges the audience to question the nature of truth and the impact of societal norms on individual lives.

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