Orson Welles in Focus

“A wonderful and distinct addition to the Welles canon . . . these pieces explore key elements of Welles’s career, personality, and political beliefs.” —Library Journal

Through his radio and film works, such as The War of the Worlds and Citizen Kane, Orson Welles became a household name in the United States. Yet Welles’s multifaceted career went beyond these classic titles and included lesser-known but nonetheless important contributions to television, theater, newspaper columns, and political activism. Orson Welles in Focus: Texts and Contexts examines neglected areas of Welles’s work, shedding light on aspects of his art that have been eclipsed by a narrow focus on his films. By positioning Welles’s work during a critical period of his activity (the mid-1930s through the 1950s) in its larger cultural, political, aesthetic, and industrial contexts, the contributors to this volume examine how he participated in and helped to shape modern media. This exploration of Welles in his totalityilluminates and expands our perception of his contributions that continue to resonate today.

“Anyone who thinks they know Welles will have their eyes opened [by this book].” —Paul Heyer, author of The Medium and the Magician

“This is a fascinating collection, several of the contributions making the reader wish for more.” —Film International

“A team of scholars has examined the many facets of Orson Welles’ amazing life—theatrical innovator, radio star, celebrated filmmaker, newspaper columnist and progressive activist.” —Wellesnet