From the Publisher
“This is a major intervention in Irish theatre history, combining deep archival research with cutting-edge use of theories that not only examines in detail J. M. Synge's dramatization of pre-Christian culture, but also sheds light on the impact of this culture in theatrical form on his contemporary audience.” (Brian Singleton, Samuel Beckett Chair of Drama & Theatre, Trinity College Dublin)
“Christopher Collins’s monograph is the most important volume on Synge to be published in decades. It is informed by original research, careful historicization (of the late nineteenth century in Ireland in particular), relevant critical theory and above all detailed and consistently insightful readings of Synge’s plays themselves.This is a major study of the greatest Irish playwright, actively engaged in articulating the important and still relevant dramaturgic and philosophic issues raised in and by Synge’s work.” (Anthony Roche, Professor of English, Drama and Film, UniversityCollege Dublin, Ireland)
“In Theatre and Residual Culture Christopher Collins impressively combines historical detail with theoretical insight to reimagine the work of J. M. Synge in terms of pre-Christian culture. Heavyweight scholarship is rendered with lapidary lightness in a book that will open a new chapter in the study of Synge's plays.” (Paul Murphy, Brian Friel Centre for Drama, Queen's University Belfast, UK)
