Life Is a Dream and Other Spanish Classics (Eric Bentley's Dramatic Repertoire) - Volume II : Book Review

"Life Is a Dream and Other Spanish Classics" is an enchanting collection of plays by the famous Spanish author Pedro Calderón de la Barca. This expertly curated volume by Eric Bentley offers readers a captivating glimpse into the world of Spanish literature, showcasing Calderón's intricate storytelling and profound themes. From the philosophical musings in "Life Is a Dream" to the enduring tragedy of "The Mayor of Zalamea," each play demonstrates Calderón's mastery of language and dramatic techniques.

At the heart of the collection lies "Life Is a Dream," a play that explores the nature of reality and illusion. Set in a surreal world, it follows the story of Segismundo, a prince who has been imprisoned since birth due to a prophecy. Through profound philosophical dialogues and captivating symbolism, Calderón delves into themes of free will, destiny, and the nature of power. The thought-provoking insights into human nature make this play a timeless classic.

In "The Mayor of Zalamea," Calderón delves into themes of honor, justice, and societal expectations. The play narrates the story of Pedro Crespo, an honorable and respected man who fights to protect his daughter's honor. Calderón skillfully explores the conflict between one's personal desires and the demands of society, raising intriguing questions about the true meaning of honor.

"Life Is a Dream and Other Spanish Classics" also includes two other plays, "The Surgeon of His Honor" and "The Good Judge of Seville," each with their own distinct themes and storytelling approaches. These plays further showcase Calderón's ability to interweave moral dilemmas and social commentary into compelling narratives.

Thanks to Eric Bentley's meticulous selection and translation of these Spanish classics, English-speaking audiences can now appreciate Calderón's genius. Bentley's introduction also provides valuable context, aiding readers in understanding the cultural and historical background of the plays. The volume as a whole takes readers on a captivating journey through Calderón's works, highlighting his insightful exploration of human nature, morality, and the complexities of life.

What are readers saying?

"Life Is a Dream and Other Spanish Classics: Eric Bentley's Dramatic Repertoire Volume II" is a compilation of Spanish classics, curated by Eric Bentley, that includes renowned writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca's works. The book has garnered a range of feedback from readers, with both positive and negative reviews.

Some reviewers applauded the collection for introducing them to lesser-known Spanish plays, along with their English translations. Bentley was praised for his efforts to make these classic works accessible to a broader audience. Many readers particularly enjoyed Calderón de la Barca's play, "Life Is a Dream," which they considered the highlight of the collection.

Conversely, there were critics who found fault with the translations, claiming that they failed to capture the essence of the original works. Some readers felt that the translations were awkward and stilted, hindering their immersion in the stories. These reviewers believed that the beauty and depth of Calderón de la Barca's writing may have been lost in translation.

A small number of readers also mentioned that the collection lacked diversity, primarily focusing on Calderón de la Barca's works instead of encompassing a wider range of Spanish classics. This limited scope disappointed some readers who were hoping for a more comprehensive overview of Spanish literature.

In terms of presentation, some reviewers found the book to be well-organized and appreciated the introductory notes that accompanied each play. These notes provided context and historical background, enriching the reader's understanding and enjoyment. However, a few readers noted that the book suffered from poor formatting and contained errors, which impacted their reading experience.

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