Theater of the Mind

Imagination, Aesthetics, and American Radio Drama

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Engineering, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Theater of the Mind by Neil Verma, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Neil Verma ISBN: 9780226853529
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: June 29, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Neil Verma
ISBN: 9780226853529
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: June 29, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

For generations, fans and critics have characterized classic American radio drama as a “theater of the mind.” This book unpacks that characterization by recasting the radio play as an aesthetic object within its unique historical context. In Theater of the Mind, Neil Verma applies an array of critical methods to more than six thousand recordings to produce a vivid new account of radio drama from the Depression to the Cold War.

In this sweeping exploration of dramatic conventions, Verma investigates legendary dramas by the likes of Norman Corwin, Lucille Fletcher, and Wyllis Cooper on key programs ranging from The Columbia Workshop, The Mercury Theater on the Air, and Cavalcade of America to Lights Out!, Suspense, and Dragnet to reveal how these programs promoted and evolved a series of models of the imagination.

With close readings of individual sound effects and charts of broad trends among formats, Verma not only gives us a new account of the most flourishing form of genre fiction in the mid-twentieth century but also presents a powerful case for the central place of the aesthetics of sound in the history of modern experience.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For generations, fans and critics have characterized classic American radio drama as a “theater of the mind.” This book unpacks that characterization by recasting the radio play as an aesthetic object within its unique historical context. In Theater of the Mind, Neil Verma applies an array of critical methods to more than six thousand recordings to produce a vivid new account of radio drama from the Depression to the Cold War.

In this sweeping exploration of dramatic conventions, Verma investigates legendary dramas by the likes of Norman Corwin, Lucille Fletcher, and Wyllis Cooper on key programs ranging from The Columbia Workshop, The Mercury Theater on the Air, and Cavalcade of America to Lights Out!, Suspense, and Dragnet to reveal how these programs promoted and evolved a series of models of the imagination.

With close readings of individual sound effects and charts of broad trends among formats, Verma not only gives us a new account of the most flourishing form of genre fiction in the mid-twentieth century but also presents a powerful case for the central place of the aesthetics of sound in the history of modern experience.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Trade and Employment in Developing Countries, Volume 1 by Neil Verma
Cover of the book The Nixon Memo by Neil Verma
Cover of the book MOOCs and Their Afterlives by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Reconstructing the Commercial Republic by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Maxwell Street by Neil Verma
Cover of the book In Hock by Neil Verma
Cover of the book The Invention of Heterosexuality by Neil Verma
Cover of the book How to Lie with Maps, Third Edition by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Political Peoplehood by Neil Verma
Cover of the book A Commentary on The Complete Greek Tragedies. Aeschylus by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Selling Fear by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Democratic Art by Neil Verma
Cover of the book Early Royko by Neil Verma
Cover of the book The Gift of Death, Second Edition & Literature in Secret by Neil Verma
Cover of the book All the Boats on the Ocean by Neil Verma
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy