Volume 1, Wonderful!

An Iceman Review

The Iceman has just finished Leon Katz's "Classical Monologues: From Aeschylus to Bernard Shaw, Volume 1, Younger Men's Roles."

It is wonderful! The Iceman is soon to embark on Volume 2, "Older Men's Roles." He has little doubt that it, too, will prove wonderful! Volumes 3 and 4, (for the ladies), are due out in the fall of 2003 - the Iceman is of exceeding confidence that these will be wonderful! Wonderful!, as well.

The Iceman's normal want is to embark upon these reviews three or four sheets to the wind. He has found, however, this author's scholarship and career to be of such sobering stature that he will, instead, do the unconscionable - he will write the review before uncorking and imbibing the bottle in question!

The four volumes exceed over five hundred monologues. Shakespeare is absent by design. The Bard is readily available and his omission allows for a more formidable collection of the more celebrated and obscure worthies than would otherwise be possible. Roman drama is absent from volume 1 but Seneca is well represented in volume 2. Eliot's famous citation for Marina: "Quis hic locus, quae reio, quae mudni plaga" is there in Mad Hercules:

"What place is this? What realm?"

One would expect (and is not disappointed) in generous samplings of Marlowe, Cornielle, and Racine. One is delighted to discover that the great speculative martyr of the Renaissance, Giordano Bruno is represented by a foray into comedy. Who knew?

In the presence of the Inquisition Bruno had historically intoned:

"You pronounce sentence upon me with greater fear than I who receive it."

Earlier, in the comic spirit of "Il Candelaio," Bruno had asked a prospective lover to:

"Quench the passion that consumes me and which I cannot believe will lessen even with death."

Our knowledge of the Inquisition and the subsequent auto-da-fe, renders the comedic pronouncement more telling than the merest of amusements. Later, in Volume 1 we contemplate Byron contemplating Manfred in anticipation of the romantic turbulence about to engulf his century:

"And thou the bright eye of the universe,

That openest over all, and unto all

Art a delight - thou shinest not on my heart.

These are some few favorites from dozens that could have, as easily, been selected. Background information on the authors, plots, characters and intentions preface each selection. One wanders through these woods at the threat of civilization and an education surpassing several lifetimes. Mr. Katz offers his selection from the purview of the celebrated one he presently entertains.

The Iceman raises his empty glass in salutation. He recommends to all and sundry the intoxicating collection herein, assembled. 

Listen now, oh my minions.  Save such nickels and dimes as to appropriate the sum sufficient for outlay and purchase.  Buy these volumes! Put off thy thirst until thou can raise thy glass in tribute  with the treasured tome in hand.

The Iceman commendeth each volume with a clarity of mind that is rare in his reviewing experience - he finds, therefore, (with scarcely a drop in sight) his glass full to overflowing.

Katz interview with Donald Freed