Strindberg: A Biography

Library Journal

This work complements last year's August Strindberg , by Olof Lagercrantz ( LJ 10/1/84). Where Lagercrantz focused on a psychological character study of the Swedish genius, Meyer has produced a full-scale literary biography of the highest caliber. While he presents the life fully and chronologically, Meyer avoids irrelevant details and trivialities. He makes apt use of primary sources to enlarge his commentary, particularly regarding Strindberg's marriages and children. The analyses of the works are consistently cogent and useful. Meyer has created a masterful portrait that deserves a place near his much-praised Ibsen (1971). Recommended for all subject collections. Starr E. Smith, Georgetown Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C.