In this collection one can find three of his most famous plays, two of which, unhappily, do not seem to be revived very often. So although it is always better to SEE a play rather than READ it, that may not be very easy.

"Orpheus Descending" deserves to be rediscovered--a highly poetic, gothic horror story of the battle between art, spirit, soul and sensuality, sexuality. Originally written for the brilliant Italian actress, Anna Magnani, it was in fact played on Broadway by the equally brilliant American, Maureen Stapleton.

"Suddenly Last Summer" was actually the basis for a very long, very self-conscious study I did for a college psych. class. Here in one of Williams most "symbol-laden" plays is his cry for an unfeeling world to accept human beings with all their faults (BECAUSE of all their faults, perhaps?) told through the disturbing memories of a woman whose family wants those memories shut up at any cost.

All three movie versions of these plays are faithful to the originals UP TO A POINT. Try to see the plays, but if that is impossible do yourself a favor: read all of Williams, including his poetry and short stories, and start with this thrilling volume of 3 of his best plays. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


Human emotions captured as poetry brought to life in a play   May 31, 2007
Tennessee Williams (Born Thomas Lanier Williams) has always been one of my favorite American authors. I highly recommend this reading for literature students and blooming actors alike. TW has the ability to add colorful symbolism to real emotions coming out of real people without sounding pretentious.

These books should be required reading in advanced high school. But are probably omitted due to the sexual undertones that are in TWs writing.

Certainly books that can be enjoyed later in life.