Examines the 5 novels and 4 full-length plays in terms of Wilder's efforts to find in the lives of his characters qualities which affirm the dignity of the individual.

A unique evaluation that covers the great dramatist's personal life, art, and theory on tragedy.

A chronology, brief biographical summary, bibliography, and extensive critical analysis of Richter's work emphasizing the lack of soundness in the philosophical theories of his essays and the excellence of the art with which his best fiction, notably his historical works, outsoared his attempted application of these theories to his creative writing.