Books by John Smart

J.C. Squire (1884-1958) bestrode the literary world of the inter-war era like a colossus. A poet, journalist, editor of the New Statesman and presiding genius of the London Mercury, he was much adored and - as a combative traditionalist - much reviled. Evelyn Waugh satirised him in Decline and Fall.

Critical introductions to a range of literary topics and genres.

The gothic influence on modern writers such as Angela Carter, Iain Banks and Stephen King is vivid and great as is the effect on the world of film and rock music. Part of the function of this book is to offer some guidance: not in terms of a fixed or definitive set of Gothic characteristics, but rather in giving a framework for questions and explorations.

Looking back on 20th century British drama from its' historical, social and political perspective enables the reader to set each play in a broader context. Contents include a selection of play extracts from well-known authors including Harold Brighouse, John Osborne, Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard and Timberlake Wertenbaker.