Description
Book Synopsis: For generations, fans and critics have characterized classic American radio drama as a “theater of the mind.” This book unpacks that characterization by recasting the radio play as an aesthetic object within its unique historical context. In Theater of the Mind, Neil Verma applies an array of critical methods to more than six thousand recordings to produce a vivid new account of radio drama from the Depression to the Cold War.
In this sweeping exploration of dramatic conventions, Verma investigates legendary dramas by the likes of Norman Corwin, Lucille Fletcher, and Wyllis Cooper on key programs ranging from The Columbia Workshop, The Mercury Theater on the Air, and Cavalcade of America to Lights Out!, Suspense, and Dragnet to reveal how these programs promoted and evolved a series of models of the imagination.
With close readings of individual sound effects and charts of broad trends among formats, Verma not only gives us a new account of the most flourishing form of genre fiction in the mid-twentieth century but also presents a powerful case for the central place of the aesthetics of sound in the history of modern experience.
Details
Step into the world of imagination and explore the captivating world of American radio drama with Theater of the Mind: Imagination, Aesthetics, and American Radio Drama. Unveiling the hidden gems of this unique art form, Neil Verma takes you on a journey through time, from the Depression to the Cold War, unravelling the secrets behind over six thousand recordings.
This book brings to life legendary dramas by renowned artists such as Norman Corwin, Lucille Fletcher, and Wyllis Cooper. Explore the groundbreaking programs like The Columbia Workshop, The Mercury Theater on the Air, and Cavalcade of America, as well as iconic shows like Lights Out!, Suspense, and Dragnet. These programs not only entertained millions but also shaped the very fabric of our creative imagination.
In Theater of the Mind, Neil Verma skillfully dissects individual sound effects, revealing their impact on the listener's psyche. Through meticulous analysis and comprehensive charts, Verma showcases the evolution of dramatic conventions and the birth of diverse models of imagination.
Prepare to be enthralled by the rich history of mid-twentieth-century genre fiction. Immerse yourself in the aesthetics of sound and discover how it has played a central role in shaping our modern experience. Theater of the Mind is a must-read for radio drama enthusiasts, historians, and anyone seeking to delve into the depths of imagination.
Uncover the secrets of American radio drama - Get your copy of Theater of the Mind today!
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