In this fascinating and revealing book, first published in 1968, Maxwell examines the life and work of Herman Melville. By dividing extracts of Melville's work in chronological order, the sections clearly illustrate the various facets of Melville's technique and thought as it evolves. This title is essential reading for students of American Literature.

Originally published in 1963. The 'Americanness' of the American novel is as readily apparent as it is elusive of definition. It is the purpose of this study not to discover the reluctant formula, the comprehensive statement of national identity, but to examine the evidences of this identity in the work of some individual American writers. This study explores the works of many prominent American authors including Edgar Allan Poe, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Mark Twain.

In this fascinating and revealing book, first published in 1952, Maxwell shows the development of Eliot's poetry and poetic thought in the light of his political and religious attachments. This study traces Eliot's style from the earliest poems to the Quartets, and examines the characteristics of Eliot's earlier work adumbrate that of his maturity. The Poetry of T. S. Eliot is essential reading for students of literature.

In this fascinating and revealing book, first published in 1952, Maxwell shows the development of Eliot's poetry and poetic thought in the light of his political and religious attachments. This study traces Eliot's style from the earliest poems to the Quartets, and examines the characteristics of Eliot's earlier work adumbrate that of his maturity. The Poetry of T. S. Eliot is essential reading for students of literature.

Originally published in 1963. The 'Americanness' of the American novel is as readily apparent as it is elusive of definition. It is the purpose of this study not to discover the reluctant formula, the comprehensive statement of national identity, but to examine the evidences of this identity in the work of some individual American writers. This study explores the works of many prominent American authors including Edgar Allan Poe, Nathanial Hawthorne, and Mark Twain.

In this fascinating and revealing book, first published in 1968, Maxwell examines the life and work of Herman Melville. By dividing extracts of Melville's work in chronological order, the sections clearly illustrate the various facets of Melville's technique and thought as it evolves. This title is essential reading for students of American Literature.

This is a detailed, critical history of Irish drama from the founding of the Irish Literary Theatre to the eighties. Professor Maxwell pays special attention to the fortunes of the Abbey Theatre, home of the best-known Irish playwrights, but also takes account of the Gate Theatre in Dublin and the Group, Arts and Lyric Theatres in Belfast. The main focus of the book is on the dramatists. At appropriate chronological points Professor Maxwell gives extended critical assessment of the work of the major writers: Yeats, Synge, O'Casey, Denis Johnston, Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel. He comments also on other dramatists who have given Irish drama its distinctive voice, from George Fitzmaurice and St John Ervine, to Thomas Kilroy and Graham Reid. While arguing that Irish drama has a deeply indigenous nature, the book also evaluates its dealings with the European drama of Ibsen, the Symbolists and the Expressionists. A useful chronology, select bibliography and production photographs complement the text.