Iconoclasts: A Book of Dramatists Ibsen, Strindberg, Becque, Hauptmann, Sudermann, Hervieu, Gorky, Duse and D'Annunzio, Maeterlinck and Bernard Shaw

"Iconoclasts: A Book of Dramatists" by James Huneker is a collection of insightful perspectives focusing on groundbreaking playwrights of the modern era, including Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw, examining their revolutionary impact on the world of theater. Huneker analyzes the core themes and unique artistic approaches employed by each dramatist, highlighting the ways in which they challenged conventional norms and pushed the boundaries of dramatic expression. The book opens with a detailed discussion of Ibsen's work, underscoring how his plays grapple with deep emotional complexities and ethical dilemmas. By exploring symbolic elements like the "open door," Huneker draws attention to Ibsen's innovative techniques and philosophical vision, setting the stage for a wider exploration of how these dramatic iconoclasts have reshaped our understanding of human experience through their art.