Asian American Playwrights: A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Description

In the late 19th century, Asian American drama made its debut with the spotlight firmly on the lives and struggles of Asians in North America, rather than on the cultures and traditions of the Asian homeland. Today, Asian American playwrights continue to challenge the limitations of established theatrical conventions and direct popular attention toward issues and experiences that might otherwise be ignored or marginalized. This reference highlights the careers and works of 52 American playwrights of origins from India, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and China. Entries are arranged alphabetically and are written by expert contributors. Each entry includes a brief biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a summary of the dramatist's critical reception, and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources. The volume closes with a selected, general bibliography, which includes anthologies, critical works, and periodicals.

Reviews

[A] comprehensive and very fine bio-bibliographical critical sourcebook for the study of Asian American drama....[a]n important, informative, and well-organized resource.-Canadian Literature
[O]ffers substantial entries on prominent Asian American Playwrights....recommended as a good introduction for academic and large public libraries.-Booklist/RBB
First ever, encyclopedic summary of APA playwrights' lives and works. Exceptionally thorough.-AsianWeek
Recommended for all research libraries, particularly those supporting Asian American studies, writing, performance, and theater programs, and public libraries serving Asian American communities.-Choice
"A comprehensive and very fine bio-bibliographical critical sourcebook for the study of Asian American drama....an important, informative, and well-organized resource."-Canadian Literature
"Offers substantial entries on prominent Asian American Playwrights....recommended as a good introduction for academic and large public libraries."-Booklist/RBB
"[A] comprehensive and very fine bio-bibliographical critical sourcebook for the study of Asian American drama....[a]n important, informative, and well-organized resource."-Canadian Literature
"[O]ffers substantial entries on prominent Asian American Playwrights....recommended as a good introduction for academic and large public libraries."-Booklist/RBB
"First ever, encyclopedic summary of APA playwrights' lives and works. Exceptionally thorough."-AsianWeek
"Recommended for all research libraries, particularly those supporting Asian American studies, writing, performance, and theater programs, and public libraries serving Asian American communities."-Choice

Author Bio

MILES XIAN LIU is Assistant Professor of English at Holyoke Community College. Trained as a Faulknerian and applied linguist, he has developed expertise in the fields of Asian American fiction and drama. His articles have appeared in The Faulkner Journal and other publications.