Lanford Wilson

Lanford Wilson was an influential American playwright, known for his contributions to the Off-Off-Broadway theater movement. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play 'Talley's Folly' in 1980. His works often explored themes of personal struggle and relationships, and he was a founding member of the Circle Repertory Company. Wilson's notable plays include 'The Hot l Baltimore,' 'Fifth of July,' and 'Burn This,' showcasing his talent for creating rich, character-driven stories.

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. Balm In Gilead

    "Balm in Gilead" is a play set in a rundown diner in New York City's Upper Broadway neighborhood, where the lives of prostitutes, junkies, and petty criminals intersect. Over the course of three days, the characters' stories unfold, revealing their struggles, desires, and quests for redemption amidst the harsh realities of urban life. The play is known for its raw, unfiltered dialogue and its ensemble cast, creating a vivid tapestry that captures the essence of a marginalized community living on the fringes of society. Through their interactions, the characters search for a 'balm in Gilead'—a healing and comfort in a world that seems bereft of hope.

    The 10380th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Talley's Folly

    The play is a romantic tale set in an old, dilapidated Victorian boathouse in Missouri during World War II. It unfolds over the course of one evening, as two unlikely lovers, Matt Friedman, a Jewish immigrant accountant from St. Louis, and Sally Talley, a nurse from a conservative Protestant family, engage in a poignant dialogue that reveals their pasts, their fears, and their hopes. Through their conversation, they confront social prejudices, family disapproval, and their own insecurities, ultimately finding a connection that transcends the folly of the boathouse and the era's societal constraints. The play is a lyrical exploration of love, acceptance, and the courage it takes to pursue happiness against all odds.

    The 10431st Greatest Book of All Time