This textbook takes the beginning playwright through the steps of constructing a plot, drafting a scenario, and finishing a script, with clear and practical information on how to create a protagonist, objective, obstacles, obligatory scene, and course of action; how to use devices of preparation and suspense such as complications, crisis, planting, and pointers; and how to use the principles of emphasis and economy to provide clarity, maintain proper proportions, and build toward an effective climax. Each chapter is accompanied by lists of plays that illustrate the concepts, suggestions for further reading in other theoretical works, and practical exercises in analysis and play construction.
Marian Gallaway studied with the famous American playwright Tennessee Williams at the University of Iowa (where Gallaway was pursuing her doctorate) and the two became close, which is why Williams offered to write a foreword for his friend's book. I was able to procure this extremely scarce copy of Gallaway's work in a university library sale roughly 20 years ago and have kept it in a sealed container in storage since then. I found out about the scarcity of this item earlier this year and decided to let it go to a collector!
I've discovered that there was a dustjacket for this book, but this does not have a dustjacket included.
A signature of "Pat Holland" and a number "3" is inscribed into the front cover and first page (see the photos).
Throughout the book there are roughly 12-15 instances of light, penciled in highlights of sentences/paragraphs (see the photos).
Shipping to the domestic US in a Priority Mail Flat Rate Small Box (with padding) to avoid any damage from a bubble envelope!