Death of a Salesman

by Miller, Arthur

• ISBN13: 9780141180977
• ISBN10: 0141180978
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-05-01
• Publisher: Penguin Classics

About This Book

Death of a Salesman: Certain Private Conversations in Two Acts and a Requiem

ISBN: 9780141180977

Death of a Salesman, written by the renowned playwright Arthur Miller, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that has been a milestone in American theater since its first performance in 1949. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the American Dream and the human condition.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in high school and college English literature classes, particularly those focusing on 20th-century American drama. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

History and Editions

The Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics edition of Death of a Salesman has been a staple in educational curricula for decades. First published in 1949, this edition has been updated and reprinted multiple times, with the current edition being released in 1998. This edition features an introduction by Christopher W. E. Bigsby, providing context and insights into the play's significance.

Author and Other Works

Arthur Miller is one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20th century. His works often explore the human condition, social justice, and the American Dream. Some of his notable works include "All My Sons," "The Crucible," and "A View from the Bridge." Miller's writing style is known for its depth, complexity, and ability to evoke powerful emotions in audiences.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Exploration: The play delves into the life of Willy Loman, a salesman struggling to achieve his dreams, and his family's dynamics.
• Thematic Depth: It explores themes such as the illusion of success, the importance of relationships, and the fragility of human existence.
• Educational Value: It is widely used in educational settings to teach about literary analysis, character development, and dramatic structure.
• Cultural Significance: The play has been recognized as a cultural touchstone, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of post-war America.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780141180977
• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780141180984 (Note: This may not be universally available; the paperback is the most commonly referenced format)
• eBook: Available through various digital platforms like Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books (ISBNs may vary depending on the platform)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication Date: May 1, 1998
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition but typically around 160 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 4 ounces
• Dimensions: 8.12 x 5.12 inches

Other Editions and Formats

• Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics Edition: This is the most commonly referenced edition for educational purposes.
• Other Editions: There may be other editions available, such as special anniversary editions or annotated versions, but these are less commonly referenced in educational contexts.

Related ISBNs

• 9780141180984 (Hardcover)
• 9780141180991 (eBook, may vary by platform)
• Other related ISBNs for different editions or formats may exist but are not universally available or commonly referenced.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Death of a Salesman, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Arthur Miller was born in New York City in 1915 and studied at the University of Michigan. His plays include All My Sons (1947), Death of a Salesman (1949), The Crucible (1953), A View from the Bridge and A Memory of Two Mondays (1955), After the Fall (1963), Incident at Vichy (1964), The Price (1968), The Creation of the World and Other Business (1972) and The American Clock. He has also written two novels, Focus (1945), and The Misfits, which was filmed in 1960, and the text for In Russia (1969), Chinese Encounters (1979), and In the Country (1977), three books of photographs by his wife, Inge Morath. More recent works include a memoir, Timebends (1987), and the plays The Ride Down Mt. Morgan (1991), The Last Yankee (1993), Broken Glass (1993), which won the Olivier Award for Best Play of the London Season, and Mr. Peter's Connections (1998). His latest book is On Politics and the Art of Acting. Miller was granted with the 2001 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He has twice won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and in 1949 he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize.
Christopher Bigsby is professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He edited the Penguin Classics editions of Miller's The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, and All My Sons.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
Christopher Bigsby
ACT ONE	1	(51)
ACT TWO	52	(58)
REQUIEM	110	(3)
Cast	113