New plays from the Abbey Theatre Book

The focus of this Norton Critical Edition is the inception of the modern Irish theatre which is identified largely with the work of the Abbey Theatre, and particularly the efforts of Yeats and Lady Gregory. The anthology includes works in chronological order from other Irish playwrights of renown, including Synge, Shaw, O'Casey, Behan, Beckett, and Friel. Following those complete plays (12 in total) is a liberal selection of contemporary assessments and later critical appraisals, in keeping with the standard layout of a Norton critical anthology. I found the selections from Synge, Behan, and Friel to be the most compelling reading, but I confess I've seen none performed on stage. All in all, a compelling and readable introduction to the rich Irish theatrical tradition that I've been privileged to witness on two of my visits to Dublin.