Dark Attractions

This book offers a major critical appraisal of playwright Peter Barnes.

It argues that many of his plays have remarkable contemporary relevance, and are formally far more innovative than has hitherto been recognised.

As well as supplying a biographical account of Barnes' life to date, the book offers a detailed study (integrating description and analysis) of his best-known plays, and a selection of his radio plays which illuminate his thematic concerns.

Barnes' work is considered in terms of its context: theatrical, critical and socio-political; and his use of comedy is given special attention.