The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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One of the most important American playwrights of the twentieth century, David Mamet is the voice of the common man—or even criminal—in the theater. He has been acclaimed for his gritty depictions of con men, thieves, and other morally bereft characters whose language is rife with the kind of stuttering, pausing, and obscenities that occur in real-life conversation. Despite the spartan phrasing and lack of eloquence in the dialogue, the staccato rhythm ends up flowing naturally, making Mamet's dialogue unique, though he is sometimes roughly compared to fellow author Harold Pinter. Mamet was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1984 for Glengarry Glen Ross, the tale of shady salesmen in a cutthroat real estate sales office. He has also cultivated a career in feature films as a screenwriter, director, and sometimes producer.
Bigsby, C. W. E. David Mamet. London and New York, Methuen, 1985.
Brewer, Gay. David Mamet and Film: Illusion/Disillusion in a Wounded Land. Jefferson, North Carolina, McFarland, 1993.
Carroll, Dennis. David Mamet. New York, St. Martin's, 1987.
Kane, Leslie. Weasels and Wisemen: Ethics and Ethnicity in the Work of David Mamet. New York, St. Martin's, 1999.
Mamet, David. A Whore's Profession: Notes and Essays. London and Boston, Faber and Faber, 1994.