The Portable Arthur Miller : Book Review

"The Portable Arthur Miller" is a comprehensive collection of Arthur Miller's renowned works, curated by author and critic Christopher Bigsby. It offers readers a diverse range of Miller's plays, including his most famous pieces like "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible."

What sets this anthology apart is the depth provided by Christopher Bigsby's introduction. It offers valuable insights into Miller's life and literary career, allowing readers to understand the context in which these plays were written. Each play is also introduced with a brief overview, providing historical and thematic context that enriches the reading experience.

An exciting aspect of this anthology is the inclusion of Miller's lesser-known works. This showcases his versatility as a playwright and allows readers to discover new facets of his creativity. By presenting these lesser-known plays alongside his more famous works, readers gain a more complete understanding of Miller's brilliance as a storyteller.

The collection also features a selection of Miller's essays, tackling various subjects such as the role of the artist in society and his personal experiences with the House Un-American Activities Committee. These essays provide valuable insights into Miller's thoughts and beliefs, giving readers a deeper understanding of his motivations and the social issues that influenced his work.

Overall, "The Portable Arthur Miller" is a must-read for both fans of Miller's work and anyone interested in American theater. It allows readers to delve into the mind of one of the 20th century's most influential playwrights and serves as a testament to Miller's enduring legacy. Christopher Bigsby's curation and insights elevate this anthology, making it an essential addition to any literary collection.

What are readers saying?

The Portable Arthur Miller is a compilation of plays and essays by renowned American playwright Arthur Miller. Published in 2003, this collection has garnered a mixed reception among readers. While some laud the book for its profound essays and brilliant plays, others criticize it for its lack of coherence and repetition.

Many readers appreciate the inclusion of Miller's iconic plays, such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible." They admire Miller's talent in crafting deeply complex characters and delving into significant social issues. These plays are regarded as thought-provoking, making them essential reading for those interested in American theater.

The collection's essays also receive praise from certain readers. Miller's analysis of various political and social topics is regarded as incisive and enlightening. His ability to use his personal experiences and observations to shed light on important issues, such as the McCarthy era and the role of the artist in society, is highly valued.

However, some readers express disappointment with The Portable Arthur Miller, citing a lack of coherence. They find that the essays and plays do not necessarily complement each other, making it challenging to fully engage with the material and grasp Miller's overall message.

Another criticism raised by a few readers is that some of the essays in the collection are repetitive. They argue that Miller often revisits similar themes and ideas, which can become tiresome and diminish the impact of his writing. To improve the overall reading experience, these readers suggest a more selective curation of essays.

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