Gertrude Stein

A study of Gertrude Stein’s diverse and idiosyncratic oeuvre, ranging from established works such as The Autobiography of Alic B. Tolkas to her lesser known pieces for the theatre. Drawing upon feminist, psychoanalytic and performance theory, Shaughnessy reevaluates Stein’s prose, poetry and drama. Reference is made to Stein’s previously unpublished material, in particular her notebooks or ‘carnets’ which offer new insights into her life and work. The book explores the importance of autobiography as a pervasive element throughout Stein’s writing. Above all, the author shows how Stein’s work benefits from being situated in an interdisciplinary artistic context with influences from art, theatre and music as well as literature. This work offers new ways of reading and responding to Stein’s writing.