Terrence McNally

Terrence McNally was an American playwright, librettist, and screenwriter, known for his thoughtful and sensitive explorations of human relationships. His notable works include 'Master Class,' 'Love! Valour! Compassion!,' and the books for the musicals 'Ragtime' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' He was a recipient of multiple Tony Awards and an Emmy Award, and his career spanned six decades, contributing significantly to American theatre.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Love! Valour! Compassion!

    Cover of 'Love! Valour! Compassion!' by Terrence McNally

    The play is a poignant exploration of the lives, relationships, and struggles of eight gay men who gather over the course of three summer weekends at a lakeside house in upstate New York. As they confront issues of fidelity, love, illness, and mortality against the backdrop of the mid-1990s AIDS epidemic, the friends navigate the complexities of their lives with humor, compassion, and sometimes heated conflict. The narrative delves deep into the bonds of friendship and the human need for connection, revealing the characters' desires, fears, and hopes in the face of an uncertain future.

    The 10590th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Master Class

    Cover of 'Master Class' by Terrence McNally

    "Master Class" is a riveting play that takes place in a Juilliard School classroom, where the audience becomes privy to a series of master classes conducted by a legendary opera diva. As she imparts her knowledge to the aspiring singers, her teaching goes beyond mere technique. The play delves into the complexities of the diva's own life, her triumphs and heartbreaks, and her demanding and often mercurial nature. Through interactions with her students, we witness her vulnerability, her passion for art, and the personal sacrifices she has made for her career. The narrative weaves together humor, drama, and music to create a powerful and intimate theatrical experience that explores the cost of greatness and the enduring legacy of a true artist.

    The 10591st Greatest Book of All Time