Bentley, Eric (1916–2020)

What is Theatre? - A Query in Chronicle Form [Association Copy]

New York: Horizon Press, 1956. First Edition, First Printing.

A significant association copy of this mid-century theatrical manifesto, linking the author to his publisher. This volume captures the critical voice of Eric Bentley during the 1955-56 Broadway seasons, preserved here from the personal library of Horizon Press founder Ben Raeburn, complete with laid-in personal correspondence.

Key Features:
+++ Visuals: Typographic dust jacket design typical of Horizon Press's modernist aesthetic.

+++ Content: A collection of reviews and essays covering the American theatre scene (including 'The Skin of Our Teeth' and 'Waiting for Godot'), serving as a companion volume to Bentley's 'The Dramatic Event'.

+++ Associated Names: Eric Bentley (Author); Ben Raeburn (Owner/Publisher).

+++ Provenance: From the estate of Ben Raeburn, the founder of Horizon Press. The front free endpaper bears Raeburn's ownership signature ('Ben Raeburn') in ink. Additionally, a typed postcard from Bentley to Raeburn is laid in.

+++ Ephemera Detail: The laid-in postcard is a USPS issue (1985), postmarked New York, June 20, 1985. It is addressed to Ben Raeburn at Fresh Meadows, NY. The message, typed by Bentley, reads: 'Ben, I hope the book arrived? I did mail it. luv [Signed in red ink] Eric'. Includes Bentley's handwritten phone number.

Condition: Very Good in Good Dust Jacket -- The book is tight and internally clean, with Ben Raburn's signiture The dust jacket is unclipped ($3.50) but shows significant age-toning, particularly darkening at the spine. There are several closed tears along the edges, now stabilized in a protective Mylar sleeve.Dimensions: 8vo 8 inches tall; x, 273 pages.

Historical Significance:
Eric Bentley was a titan of dramatic criticism and the primary force behind introducing Bertolt Brecht to the English-speaking world. In the mid-20th century, his 'chronicles' of the New York stage were considered essential reading, blending academic rigor with the accessibility of journalism.

This copy holds special significance as it comes from the personal library of Ben Raeburn, the founder of Horizon Press. Raeburn was known for his 'exquisite' taste and for publishing authors of high literary merit before they achieved commercial mass appeal. The presence of the 1985 postcard demonstrates a lasting professional and personal friendship between author and publisher that spanned decades beyond the publication of this 1956 volume.

Subjects: Eric Bentley, Horizon Press, Ben Raeburn, Theatre Criticism, Broadway History, Dramatic Theory, Association Copy, Publishing History, Autographs, 20th Century Theatre.

Item #21511

Price: $85.00