The World Of William Saroyan

In this work, the author tells how Saroyan transformed the short story by personalizing it and by loosening the structure of the novella form. He went on to bring new life to the theater and to the telling of autobiography. Better than that of any recent drama critic, Balakian's chapters on the theater place Saroyan's plays in the larger framework of the American theater of his time and achieve the creation of a total picture of the state of the American theater of the 1930s.

An illustrated compilation of critical essays, intimate recollections, biographical notes, and interviews which sheds new light on the life and work of Pulitzer Prize winner William Saroyan (1913-81). Reflections by his son and daughter and a candid interview with Garig Basmadjian reveal the intimate side of the talented celebrity trying to cope with his human weakness.

"Marvelously captivating." — The New York Times. First published in 1940, Saroyan's international bestseller recounts the exploits of an Armenian clan in northern California at the turn of the 20th century. Based on the author's loving and eccentric extended family, the characters in these 14 related short stories provide humorous and touching scenes from immigrant life.

This book introduces the Essentials Collection that showcases celebrated California writers whose works have gained international recognition. This selection draws on the best of Saroyan's short stories, novels, drama, and autobiography.

A programme text edition published in conjunction with the Finborough Theatre to coincide with the centenary of the birth of William Saroyan, The Time of Your Life runs from 26 November - 20 December. 'In the time of our life, live - so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it' The Time of Your Life, a rich tapestry of human life, peopled by a profusion of wistful dreamers, pining lonely hearts, and beer-hall-philosophers, is a twentieth century American masterpiece. The Time of Your Life was first presented at The Shubert Theatre, New Haven, USA, on 7 October 1939. It was the first play to win both the New York Drama Critics' Circle award and the Pulitzer Prize. . It has been revived three times on Broadway; was filmed in 1948, starring James Cagney; and twice filmed for TV. It was last seen in the UK in a star-studded Royal Shakespeare Company production in Stratford and London in 1983, and received the following review: 'A remarkable play which blazes forth like a brave beacon: warming and full of fire' Daily Mail

Eleven of William Saroyan's most delightful tales, Fresno Stories springs straight from the source of the author's vision--"the archetypal Armenian families who inhabit Saroyan country, in and around Fresno, California." (Chicago Tribune)

Aram Saroyan tells of the intimate sides of the life of his father, Pulitzer Prize-Winning playwright and novelist William Saroyan.