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The Science of Playwriting
Paperback
Literary CriticismWriting Instruction
ISBN13: 9781025972015
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 378
Weight: 1.16
Height: 0.78 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Science of Playwriting is a rigorous and analytical exploration of the fundamental mechanics behind dramatic construction. Written by Moses L. Malevinsky, who applied his keen legal mind to the intricacies of the theater, this work treats playwriting not as a mysterious art form, but as a structured discipline governed by identifiable principles. Malevinsky proposes a systematic algebraic approach to drama, seeking to provide a universal formula for the creation and evaluation of successful plays.
The text provides an in-depth dissection of the essential elements of storytelling, including theme, emotion, plot development, and character motivation. By examining the underlying logic that makes a play resonate with an audience, Malevinsky offers writers a framework to refine their craft with technical precision. The Science of Playwriting serves as both a historical cornerstone of dramatic theory and a practical guide for those interested in the architecture of the stage. It remains a valuable resource for playwrights, screenwriters, and literary critics who wish to understand the structural heart of theatrical storytelling and the evolutionary development of early twentieth-century dramatic technique.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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