Stanley [Paperback]

Pam Gems (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1996

A new play about Stanley Spencer, the wayward genius of modern British painting.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Are artists subject to the same rules of behavior as the rest of us? That's the central question of Pam Gems's West End and Broadway hit drama about the life and loves of real-life British painter Stanley Spencer. The answer to that question appears to be "yes"--but only up to a point. And the price can be staggering. Gems's Spencer is a great talent, but is also a black hole of ego. With grotesquely childlike insistence, he tries to juggle his long-suffering wife, his manipulative mistress, his sterling reputation, and his beloved home, but winds up losing them all--along with his fortune and health. In the end, only his talent remains. But for one moment we're allowed to see that it's no longer enough--the loss has penetrated even the hermetic world in his heart.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Nick Hern Books; First Edition edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854592548
• ISBN-13: 978-1854592545
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The story of the English artist, Stanley Spencer, April 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Stanley (Paperback)

This is the complex and at times frustrating story of a creative genius. Stanley Spencer was a gifted artist with a passion for two women - one who loves him dearly, the other who wishes to be associated with his fame. Stanley veers between the two with a vigour that is tragic. Pam Gems has done a marvellous job of revealing the creative mind of Stanley, while retaining sympathy for his wife. The final scene of this play was one of the most emotional ones I have ever read (or seen at its lengthy run at the Royal national Theatre, London). A brilliant play

5.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing, Surprising, Theatrical.... Get it, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Stanley (Paperback)

I am a theatre student, and absolutely love reading plays. I picked up this play on a whim after my teacher recommended Pam Gems, and started reading. At first, I absolutely HATED this play. With a passion. I thought the language was forced and that Pam Gems was trying to use big words just for the sake of using big words. There was really nothing about the play I liked. But then.... MY LORD!!! I don't know what happened, but I couldn't put the play down. It started to upset me. The characters are incredibly intriguing, the plot is complicated but certainly comprehensible, and the actual play is very theatrical. I would love to see it performed. I highly recommend this play. It is worth the money. **Bottom Line: Out of the many plays that I have read this summer, Stanley is the one that I cannot stop thinking about