King Hedley II

By August Wilson

Book Overview

"Wilson's melody here is the mournful sound of what might have been, a blues-tinged tale about a driven, almost demonic man. He's a petty thief named King who will stop at nothing for a better life. . . . King Hedley is a big play, filled with big emotions and big speeches. These aria-like monologues are rich in humor, heartbreak and the astonishing details that go into creating real people. With his latest arrival on Broadway, Wilson only has the first and last decades of the twentieth century to chronicle--it's been quite a journey. King Hedley will only add to that towering achievement."--Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press "What makes Wilson America's greatest living playwright--aside from his gift for dialogue, which blends searing poetry with uncompromising realism--is the bracing humanism with which he provides insight into the struggles and aspirations of all individuals."--Elysa Gardner, USA Today King Hedley II is the eighth work in playwright August Wilson's 10-play cycle chronicling the history of the African American experience in each decade of the twentieth century. It's set in 1985 and tells the story of an ex-con in post-Reagan Pittsburgh trying to rebuild his life. Many critics have hailed the work as a haunting and challenging tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. August Wilson is the most influential and successful African American playwright writing today. He is the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Fences , The Piano Lesson , Ma Rainey's Black Bottom , Joe Turner's Come and Gone , Seven Guitars , Two Trains Running and Jitney . His plays have been produced all over the world, as well as on Broadway.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155936260X
• ISBN13: 9781559362603
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Theatre Communications Group
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Must have resource

I am on my third time reading this wonderful book. Edith inspires us to build homes full of loving, humble people who are not perfect, but strive to keep our relationships healthy. I think every young woman should read this practical book as they develop a vision for their families.

A MUST Read for Anyone With a Family!

This book is excellent! The author uses incredible imagery to exemplify her points. Anyone with a family will appreciate this book. Reading it made me think a lot more about what real quality time is all about. It made me think about the things that are truly important! I would recommend this book to anyone I know!

Wonderful

Everyone who cares about having a wonderful family life should read this book. It is packed with great ideas to enhance every moment of each other's lives - even when someone is sick. Mrs. Shaeffer is very open in describing their family and how they made things special but not to the point of making their life seem perfect. One of her best chapters is about creating a "Museum of Memories" by choosing to create positive memories...

What a lovely book

This book is lovely. Each chapter explores what a family is and the place of the members in the family. It makes me proud to be a mother and house wife. It makes me look at my place in the family in a new light- I'm a historian, a confidant, a friend, and more. What an uplifting book.

the beauty and importance of family

This is an inspiring and wonderful book. Edith Schaeffer makes the reader love and appreciate the importance of family. It is a unique perspective. Each chapter decribes the family in a different way. For example, there is a chapter called, "A museum of memories," which explains the importance of making happy memories for your children and some ideas on how to do it. Another chapter is called, "A perpetual relay of...