John Lahr stands as a towering figure in literary criticism, particularly renowned for his insightful and comprehensive biographies of theatrical giants. His critically acclaimed biography, Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, is a testament to his expertise and a landmark achievement in theatrical biography. Lahr’s work delves deep into the life of one of America’s most influential playwrights, offering readers unparalleled access to the complex mind and turbulent world of Tennessee Williams.
Williams, as Arthur Miller aptly noted, sparked a “revolution” in American theatre. His plays, including masterpieces like The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, not only defined an era but also provided iconic roles for some of the 20th century’s greatest actors. Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski, Laurette Taylor’s Amanda Wingfield, and Maureen Stapleton’s Serafina are just a few examples of the unforgettable performances brought to life through Williams’s characters.
John Lahr's biography 'Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh' US Edition Cover
Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh is not just a biography; it’s a profound exploration of the man behind the plays. John Lahr meticulously uncovers the intricate tapestry of Williams’s life, from his fraught family relationships and the tragic lobotomy of his sister, to his personal struggles, groundbreaking plays, and complicated sexuality. Lahr’s biography even sheds light on the sensationalized accounts of Williams’s death and the subsequent controversies surrounding his estate.
John Lahr’s distinguished career has been punctuated by numerous accolades, most notably the National Arts Club Medal of Honour for Achievement in the Theatrical Arts. This prestigious award, a first for a critic, places Lahr in the company of theatrical legends such as Tennessee Williams himself, Arthur Miller, and Edward Albee, solidifying his position as a leading voice in theatrical arts criticism.
UK Edition Cover of John Lahr's Acclaimed Tennessee Williams Biography
Further emphasizing the significance of Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, the biography garnered the Sheridan Morley Prize for Theatre Biography, the National Book Critics Circle Award for best biography, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Harold D. Vursell Memorial Award for its exceptional prose style. These awards recognize not only the depth of Lahr’s research but also the captivating and elegant writing that makes the biography a compelling read.
In this sweeping narrative, John Lahr masterfully portrays both the public triumphs and private turmoil of Tennessee Williams. He paints a vivid backstage picture, populated by luminaries like Elia Kazan, Audrey Wood, Marlon Brando, and Anna Magnani, who played pivotal roles in Williams’s dramatic life. Lahr’s biography is hailed as a definitive work, a masterful account of a major American playwright penned by the foremost American drama critic of our time.
Book Awards Received by John Lahr's Biography of Tennessee Williams
Critics have universally lauded Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh. USA Today deems it “essential reading for theater fans,” praising its “witty, moving, ferociously intelligent study.” John Waters declares it so definitive that “nobody will be able to write another biography of Tennessee Williams after this.” Nick Hytner simply states, “The book is a triumph.” The Australian asserts it is “a biography of the playwright that is never likely to be equalled let alone surpassed.” Helen Mirren calls it “a masterpiece about a genius,” highlighting Lahr’s unique insights and meticulously detailed research.
John Carey of the Sunday London Times lauds Lahr’s “magnificent biography” for seamlessly weaving together personal and creative aspects of Williams’s life, drawing from a vast array of sources. J.D. McClatchy of the Wall Street Journal proclaims it “by far the best book ever written about America’s greatest playwright,” emphasizing Lahr’s unparalleled knowledge of Broadway and his elegant writing style. Bill Bryson finds it “splendid beyond words,” and John Guare suggests it “might be the best theater book I’ve ever read,” celebrating Lahr for making “thrilling sense” of Williams’s life.
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Publishers: W. W. Norton & Company (US -September 22, 2014), Bloomsbury Publishing (UK -25 Sep 2014)
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