The Art of Theater

"Hamilton's clarity of style and focused argument make his study an engaging change from the predominance of continental thought in many texts on contemporary theatre and performance. ... The Art of Theater returns us to basic questions where they seem most certain: like any good work of philosophy, it shows how the apparently obvious came to be the case." (Theatre Research International, March 2009)

"Hamilton's book has many merits. He has written a timely book that would repay close study by any philosopher interested in performance in general and theater in particular." (The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism)

“Hamilton presents a bold new thesis in his first book: theatrical performances are an independent form of art. Hamilton presents meticulous arguments both for the independence of performance as an art form and its status as art. This is a compelling book. Recommended.” (CHOICE)

"James R. Hamilton’s The Art of Theater is a compelling and original work of analytic philosophy applied to performance. Readers will enjoy the rigorous philosophical discussion and illuminating theatrical analysis."
David Krasner, Yale University

"This groundbreaking book argues for theatrical performance as an independent form of art. Philosophically astute, historically informed, and filled with wonderful examples, it will set the standard for work in the area for years to come." Susan Feagin, Temple University

“A book that has virtues worth recommending … .Hamilton’s project [is] aimed at bringing our theoretical beliefs … in line with our theater-going practices.” Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews