William Link Emmy and Edgar-award winning writer and co-creator of Columbo, Mannix, and Murder, She Wrote. |
"Mr. Kabatchnik has given us a third volume in his excellent crime and mystery play series. A most enjoyable and eminently readable journey through the world of theater as relates to mysteries. A reference book not to be missed. It is a brilliant analytic gem which should be in reachable distance of every theater lovers' book shelf. Along with his other two volumes, it is a must own series for every library, public and private. Bravo, Mr. Kabatchnik!"
Blood 'N' Thunder Number 25, Winter 2010 |
"Finally, we'd like to put in a plug for the latest book written by long-time BnT subscriber Amnon Kabatchnik. Blood on the Stage, 1925-1950: Milestone Plays of Crime, Mystery, and Detection, continues the focus of his previous volume (which covered the first 25 years of the last century) and discusses more than 150 full-length plays dealing with crimes of various sorts. Amnon packs this 850-page volume with fascinating information and trains his critical eye on works by Edgar Wallace, Agatha Christie, J.B. Priestley, Somerset Maugham, Lillian Hellman, and other notable playwrights. Blood on the Stage has been published by Scarecrow Press and sells for $150."
Hank Azaria Star of stage, screen, and television (The Simpsons) |
"You know that embarrassing moment at a party, when someone asks you about a detailed fact concerning a momentous play that is long forgotten but still deserves careful study and review, and you have no idea what they're talking about? Well, after thoroughly enjoying Blood on the Stage, I never have to face that awful moment."
"The author gives thorough criticism for the benefit of theater students on why each work is noteworthy, and why the appeal of
this genre endures."
Reference & User
Services Quarterly |
"The sheer readability of his work exceeds that of many reference books.... Warmly recommended"
American Theatre Celia Wren |
"...Such are the revalations of Kabatchnik's energetically researched volume, which covers scores
of Doyle-derived works. Theatre scholars and hardcore Sherlockians will welcome the book."
Los Angeles Times Leslie Klinger |
"The plays selected by Kabatchnik provide a wealth of material for lovers of theater."
"Kabatchnik's books will be [the reader's] only opportunity to thrill to many long-forgotten plays..."
"A unique resource."
"The characterizations of Holmes, Watson and their milieu are dizzying in their variety and complexity."
"The volume is much more accessible than the play scripts themselves, many of which are quite scarce."
"Preferable to others... it provides the opportunity to enjoy the plays..."
American Reference Books Annual John T. Gillespie |
"This material is astonishingly complete and up to date....The author correctly describes this work as 'a labor of love.' It is also a fascinating document that deserves a place in any library with a sizable collection on theater."
Deadly Pleasures Marv Lachman |
"Descriptions of each play are remarkably lively."
"Much useful factual information."
"Interesting plot descriptions and effective language."
"Readers of this book can visit eighty shows they are unlikely to ever see"
"Kabatchnik's research for this book leaves me in awe."
Mystery Scene Jon L. Breen |
"A strong contender for Edgar Award recognition."
"Entertainingly-written entries."
"A meritorious survey of the theatrical Holmes."
"What sets this book apart from other references on the 'public Holmes' are the detailed plot summaries and production histories."
"Comprehensive... It'll leave you elated."
"Amnon Kabatchnik has done his homework and then some..."
"It's hard to imagine you'll find a single source as detailed and thorough."
"...Recommended for Holmes completists and those with a meticulous fascination with theater history."
THE DISTRICT MESSENGER
The Newsletter of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London Roger Johnson |
"A useful and interesting volume."
"Readers of this book can visit eighty shows they are unlikely to ever see"
"Until now, [Sherlock Holmes'] presence on the stages of the world has largely been overlooked. Thanks to the enthusiasm and research of Amnon Kabatchnik, that is no longer true."
Hebrew-language article (.pdf) Cover Intro Page 1 Page 2
|
|