Customer Reviews

Notebooks

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I signed this book out of the library knowing I could never be able to work my way through its 800+ pages in three weeks. First, I'm not a big reader of diaries or letters (I find them too vague and elliptical); secondly, it's a massive book. But I have spent the entire morning leafing through it and am finding it mesmerizing. The editor/compiler, Margaret Bradham Thornton, has done an excellent job of providing notes, photographs, facsimile's of handwritten poems and diary entries, and short biographies of the many people--famous, infamous, and unfamous--who passed through Williams's life. Her tone is professional and forthright; she neither dodges nor wallows in discussion of Williams's sexual life. The notebooks are complete in that they contain everything that is known to survive; they cover the periods from 1936 to 1958 and from 1979 to 1981 (Williams died in February 1983). If notebooks are ever found covering the missing years, I hope the Williams estate has the good sense to allow Thornton to edit them.

The format for this book is to run the notebook entries on the right-hand pages and use the facing pages for explanatory notes. The notes are in a smaller type and each page is packed with annotation, such is the generosity of Thornton. Another interesting feature is the inclusion of Williams's own marginal notes. Apparently, he re-read his diaries years later and was not shy about criticizing his earlier self.

I think this book will be of interest to anyone interested in American cultural life in mid-twentieth century, not just in the theater and film, but dance, painting, poetry, fiction, etc. It's amazing how these cultural worlds intersected and collided. This is a book I want to own. I've just ordered it from Amazon and will continue reading my library copy until it arrives. Fascinating stuff!

This is a magnificent book, really two books, as Tennessee Williams' journals are powerfully augmented by Thornton's meticulously researched and engaging annotations. Opposite every page of journal entries, one finds the sources and background on Williams' musings; Thornton gives us a map to Williams thoughts, and her notes enhance the journal entries immeasurably, making this book essential reading. It's tough to put down, and almost impossible to read properly, that is, in order-- no matter where one opens the book you are transported into the private life of this playwright whose works are so much a part of our literary and theatrical heritage. Thornton has also included a fascinating array of photographs which place Williams in the context of his time and his peers, and scribbled illustrations which add a whole other element to understanding this great writer-- this book is not to be missed.

Margaret Bradham Thornton is to be commended for compiling Tennessee Williams' journals with such painstaking attention to detail, in-depth analysis and thorough research. Her efforts afford the reader an amazing, unique glimpse into the life of an American literary giant -- a man whose plays, including The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and A Streetcar Named Desire, have become classics for the ages, not to mention a man who led an intriguing life in and out of the public eye. There is no shortage of skeletons to be found in Williams' closet; his homosexuality is a particular source of angst to him in a world that did not approve of such a thing. He dallies with male prostitutes, and in one instance gets severely beaten for his troubles. Meanwhile, he is haunted by his sister, who underwent a frontal lobotomy after being institutionalized (it is his guilt over leaving her to pursue his writing that drove him to write "The Glass Menagerie," which features a very Williams-esque young man desperate to escape his dreary life with a crippled sister and needy mother in order to pursue his dreams).

Through his notebooks, Williams provides you with a backstage pass to one of the most thrilling talents Broadway has ever seen, and through extensive footnoting Thornton puts it all into a clear narrative for you to follow along. She also includes countless photographs and pieces of artwork. There are moments when what Williams writes does not match up with what other interviewees recall, forcing Thornton and the reader to speculate as to which version is closer to the truth, but in "Notebooks" Williams does nothing short of bare his soul to the reader. It is utterly fascinating to experience his artist's-eye-view of the world, and I would highly recommend this book.
Grade: A+

As a playwright, Williams is my muse. This volume is an extraordinary window into the life and psyche of one of the greatest playwrights of the English speaking world. It is a wonderful adjunct to the biographical data both from Williams himself and those close to him who have chronicled his life and work.

This is one of the handsomest books I have read in years. The notes by the author/editor, who has annotated the daily diaries of playwright Tennessee Williams, are spectacularly thorough, covering virtually every actor, director, known and unknown, Williams ever met. Loads of fun reading the notes, and the diaries themselves on facing pages, with marvelous and copious photographs, goofy illustrations, maps - you name it. Williams hasn't much to say about his writing life, but lots to say about his state of mind, which is usually spinning out of control along with his life. Williams was part of that first real jet set, living in a given year in a dozen places. The first and last question on his mind was how to find "trade" by which he meant pick-ups for casual sex. Fascinating and then really boring like most pornography.

Gives amazing and intimate insights into the greatest playwright of many generations. If you've enjoyed books by Tennessee Williams or immersed yourself in films based on any of his books, enjoy peeking into his everyday thoughts and musings (some brilliant, others ordinary and mundane, but all of them---like the man---fascinating).

Item was in mint condition, will not hesitate to buy from this seller again.
Keep up the good work