Eugene O'Neill

NOTES: Inscribed by Clark to Norman Hapgood.

INSCRIPTION: (On front free endpaper)

To Norman Hapgood / With regards from / the writer / Barrett H. Clark / New York 31 Aug. 1926

Subsequent editions entitled Eugene O'Neill: The Man and his Plays, NY, McBride, 1929; London, Jonathan Cape, 1933; NY, McBride, 1936: Dover, 1947.

The 1926 edition was the first book published anywhere to be devoted entirely to Eugene O'Neill. The same general plan of the original was maintained in all subsequent editions: a brief life history and a short analysis of each play from Wife for a Life to date of publication. Each edition contains passages from letters and articles by O'Neill, plus various bibliographical material. O'Neill never quite understood Clark's motives for writing the book in the first place; but, while expressing his plain disapproval, never interfered. The 1947 edition is, of course, the most valuable of all and includes Moon for the Misbegotten. Although it is the best single book about O'Neill up to 1947, it is not a complete biography nor a detailed criticism. The material, however, still has its place on any reference shelf.—Miller