From Library Journal
Allen (critic, playwright, and BBC Radio broadcaster) presents the first full-length authorized biography of one of Britain's most popular and prolific 20th-century playwrights. Using dozens of interviews with people from all areas of Ayckbourn's life, Allen reveals a complex, brilliant individual who has contributed to the reshaping of British theater. Allen's sometimes rambling style seems to mirror the subject's life, from his early days as a teenage actor to his greatest successes as playwright and director. Ayckbourn's personal and professional experiences are interwoven with concurrent developments in British theater and in British society at large, providing insight into the playwright's extensive contributions to his country's literary life. The popular draw of Ayckbourn's plays (How the Other Half Loves, House, Garden) continues to be his genius in presenting serious issues of human behavior while keeping his audiences rolling with laughter. This biography shows that this genius stems from a very private man's personal style of dealing with life's challenges. Recommended for theater history collections. Laura A. Ewald, Murray State Univ., KY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.