Brooks Atkinson

Brooks Atkinson (1894-1984) was one of America's most influential theater critics, serving as drama critic for The New York Times from 1925 to 1960. His reviews and criticism shaped theatrical discourse in New York for over three decades, during which he witnessed and documented the evolution of American theater through the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war period. Beyond theater criticism, Atkinson worked as a war correspondent in China during World War II and later served as the Times' Moscow correspondent from 1945-1946. His coverage of post-war Soviet Union earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Correspondence in 1947, and his collected wartime observations were published in his book "Twittering Machine." Throughout his career, Atkinson wrote several books about theater and culture, including "Broadway" (1970) and "This Bright Land: A Personal View" (1972). The Cort Theatre on Broadway was renamed the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in 1960 to honor his contributions to American theater, marking the first time a Broadway house was named for a drama critic. His writing style was known for its clarity and fairness, avoiding the caustic tone common among critics of his era. Atkinson maintained strong support for experimental theater and emerging playwrights, helping to champion works by Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller during their early careers.

Readers appreciate Atkinson's theater criticism for its clear analysis and historical documentation of Broadway's golden age. His reviews in "Broadway" and "New York Times Theater Reviews" provide a window into mid-20th century American theater. Readers value: - Detailed descriptions that bring performances to life - Cultural context for plays and productions - First-hand accounts of now-legendary shows and actors Common criticisms: - Dense writing style can be hard to follow - Some reviews feel dated or require theater history knowledge - Limited perspective as a critic of his era Goodreads ratings: "Broadway" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings) "Brief Chronicles" - 3.5/5 (6 ratings) Amazon ratings: "Broadway" - 4.2/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "His descriptions transport you to the theater seats of decades past." Another commented: "Atkinson captured both technical details and emotional impact in his reviews." Minimal ratings exist online due to the age of his works and their specialized theater focus.

Broadway (1970) - A detailed history of New York theater from the 1700s to the mid-20th century, examining major productions, performers, and theatrical developments.

Tuesdays and Fridays (1963) - A collection of theater reviews written during Atkinson's tenure as drama critic for The New York Times.

This Bright Land: A Personal View (1962) - A portrait of American life and culture based on Atkinson's travels across the United States.

Once Around the Sun (1951) - Observations of rural New England life organized by seasons, drawn from Atkinson's experiences living in a farmhouse.

East of the Hudson (1947) - Essays about New England focusing on its natural environment, small towns, and regional character.

Henry Thoreau, the Cosmic Yankee (1927) - A biographical study of Henry David Thoreau's life, philosophy, and literary works.

Walden Theatre (1919) - Atkinson's first published work, examining contemporary American theater and dramatic criticism.