William Inge

William Inge's popular plays of the 1950s received Tony nominations (Bus Stop 1956], and Dark at the Top of the Stairs 1958]) and won a Pulitzer Prize (Picnic 1953]). As a screenwriter, he won an Academy Award (Splendor in the Grass 1961]). Yet Inge's career ended in perceived failure, depression and finally suicide. These previously unpublished essays take a fresh look at some of his most popular work, as well as his less well-known later plays. Inge's work was often ahead of its time, and foreshadowed the influence of popular media and advertising, the sexual revolution and the women's movement. The essays give context for Inge's work within twentieth-century American drama, and attest to his exceptional talent. Included are reminiscences which reveal the playwright's charm and generosity, and shed light on how a brilliant, troubled man eventually took his own life.