The Performer

Urgent, penetrating, moving. A masterwork from a master thinker. -- Ian Bostridge, author of Schubert’s Winter Journey: Anatomy of an Obsession Richard Sennett calls on his vast knowledge of theater and performance to argue for the social uses of civility—and against the degradation of public social space brought by demagogues. This is a book that ranges widely while speaking forcefully to our current needs. -- Peter Brooks, Yale University A masterpiece from one of the most important cultural theorists of our time. The Performer is, at once, a memoir, an investigation, and a manifesto for rethinking humanity's next act. -- Eric Klinenberg, New York University [A] timely study of the place of performance in society ... Sennett combines erudition with personal experience ... Performance, he believes, and the emotions it arouses, are fundamental to being human ... colourful stories ... unique insight and intelligence -- Rowan Moore * Observer * He looks at every aspect of performing - where it is done, stage or street; the performances of demagogues; the audience who takes it all in; the masks, clothing and appurtenances of acting in public. Sennett uses a wide frame of reference to bolster his analysis -- Michael Prodger * New Statesman * Sennett has the confidence to present a grand international cultural narrative ... revealing ... enjoyable -- Emma Smith * Times Literary Supplement *