The Beckett Actor: Jack Macgowran, Beginning to End [Hardcover]

Jordan R. Young (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1988

The first biography of Samuel Beckett's favorite actor and foremost interpreter discusses their collaboration on the definitive production of "Waiting for Godot" -- and reveals how MacGowran changed forever the public perception of Beckett from a purveyor of despair to a writer of wit, humanity and courage. The actor's collaboration with filmmaker Roman Polanski is also discussed in detail.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

MacGowran came late to his fame, and died of heart failure in a body wasted by youthful drinking and fierce overwork at the age of 54 in 1973. After years of labor in Dublin and England, Samuel Beckett became his friend, and MacGowran responded with the crowning performances of his career. He was, and still is, the greatest actor of Beckett plays. This biography concentrates on the qualities that made MacGowran that actor. While not nearly probing enough to show the inner cause of that quality, this is an excellent work, built on meticulously documented interviews with MacGowran's colleagues and friends. Lavishly illustrated and recommended. Thomas E. Luddy, Salem State Coll., Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American

The nucleus of the work is a detailed and insightful discussion of MacGowran's association with Beckett. The book is a treasury for the Beckett aficionado... a worthwhile text on the craft of the actor and an insight into the Beckett 'character.'

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 206 pages
• Publisher: Past Times Pub Co; 1st edition (January 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940410826
• ISBN-13: 978-0940410824
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,447,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a freelance writer, entertainment historian and playwright. I've traveled extensively in Europe and the U.S. but researching and writing books like "Spike Jones Off the Record," "Acting Solo," and "The Beckett Actor" has been the great adventure of my life. Without readers I wouldn't be here, so I thank all of you who have discovered my books and shared my adventures.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look at a fascinating actor., January 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Beckett Actor: Jack Macgowran, Beginning to End (Hardcover)

My interest in Irish theatre brought me to this book. What a find! A fascinating look at a fascinating actor. The author brings alive the work and times of MacGowran. A well-researched and thorough work recommended for any student of theatre. I was especially impressed with the variety of interview subjects. Made me do a search for MacGowran's available work on video. While not a big fan of Beckett, I was impressed by the relationship between the playwright and this ultimate interpreter of his works.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of MacGowran, August 23, 2005

By 

Paul E. Clark (Reading, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Beckett Actor: Jack Macgowran, Beginning to End (Hardcover)

I cannot imagine my life without the influence of Jack MacGowran as a crucial part of it. Young does an excellent job of bringing this amazing actor's life and work to the reader. But, after reading the book, please take the time to discover what Jack did best: Bringing the works of Samuel Beckett to life.