W. B. Yeats

John Galsworthy

Eugene O'Neill

Lord Dunsany

Lady Gregory

J. M. Synge

J. A. Ferguson

Beulah Marie Dix

Harold Brighouse

Gordon Bottomley

George Middleton

Percy MacKaye

Winthrop Parkhurst

Louise Saunders

Harold Chapin

The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays stands as a testament to the diverse landscapes of early 20th-century drama, encapsulating a range of literary styles from the poetic to the naturalistic. This anthology showcases the rich tapestry of cultural and intellectual movements that characterized the era, featuring plays that delve into existential questions, societal norms, and the human condition with unparalleled depth and variety. The collection draws together works that, while distinct in voice and approach, share an underlying exploration of modernity, making it a crucial compilation for understanding the period's dramatic evolution. Noteworthy are the contributions that mingle folklore with modernist sensibilities, creating a unique dialogue between the past and present. The authors and editors behind this anthology were pivotal figures in their respective literary circles, hailing from diverse backgrounds but united by their contributions to modern drama and literature. Figures like Yeats and Synge are synonymous with the Irish Literary Revival, while others like O'Neill and Galsworthy bring perspectives from American and English theatre, respectively. This blend of cultural and national backgrounds not only highlights the global nature of modernist themes but also reflects the varied ways these themes were explored across different societies and stages. Their collective works here underline the shifts in narrative style, thematic concern, and character depiction that mirror the tumultuous changes of their time. Inviting readers into the world of early 20th-century drama, The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays offers a unique opportunity to experience a plethora of artistic visions and narratives within a single collection. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts of modern literature and drama, this anthology not only serves as an educational resource but also as a platform for witnessing the dialogue between disparate yet interconnected voices. Embracing this collection affords a deeper appreciation for the breadth and depth of modernist exploration in drama, making it an indispensable addition to any literary library.

Exploring the Evolution of Modernist Drama

The Atlantic Book of Modern Plays

The Cantebury pilgrims. Jeanne d'Arc. Sappho and Phaon. The sacrecrow Mater

Caliban by the Yellow Sands

A Comedy

The Canterbury Pilgrims

The Life of Steele MacKaye, Genius of the Theater, in Relation to His Times & Contemporaries

Epoch

Poems

A Tragedy

Fenris, the Wolf

Weathergoose-woo!

Percy MacKaye (1875-1956) was an American dramatist and poet. MacKaye is considered to be the first poet of the Atomic Era because of his sonnet "The Atomic Law," published in 1945. He wrote A Garland to Sylvia while a student at Harvard.

A Dramatic Reverie

A Garland to Sylvia

A Play in Three Acts

To-morrow

A Play in Four Acts

Kinfolk of Robin Hood

Geoffrey Chaucer

A group of pilgrims bound for Canterbury Cathedral agree to pass the weary miles by taking turns at storytelling - thus begins English literature's greatest collection of chivalric romances, bawdy tales, fables, legends, and other stories.&&Translation into modern English verse by J. U. Nicholson.

A Modern Rendering Into Prose of the Prologue and Nine Tales

The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer

Percy MacKaye

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