This comprehensive analysis traces Sam Shepard's career from his experimental one-act plays of the 1960s to the 1994 play Simpatico. Curse of the Starving Class, Buried Child, True West, Fool for Love and A Lie of the Mind are all examined in depth. Concentrating on his playwriting, this book charts Shepard's various developments and shifts of direction, and the changing contexts in which his work appeared. Engaging, informative, and insightful, The Theatre of Sam Shepard is the definitive source on the works of this innovative and original writer.

'Bottoms … has an excellent perception of the performance side of drama, which makes his comments on Shepard's work even more invaluable … another strength of the book is that Bottoms locates the plays in a wide spectrum of contexts … convincing and fascinating … Bottoms's book is very useful for understanding this highly prolific and versatile American playwright. Its detailed readings of Shepard's plays make it a substantial contribution to Shepard criticism.'

Source: American Studies