Brian Friel is Ireland's leading living playwright, a fact that is easily observable on the billboards of Derry, Dublin, London and New York. These locations are also essential in understanding the range and reach of Friel's theatrical concerns and his projected audience. From his first major success on the stage, "Philadelphia Here I Come!" in 1964 to his most recent play, "The Home Place in 2005", Friel has revived and revised the Irish tradition of verbal theatre. This book examines Friel's work within the context of Irish storytelling. It also considers his position as a writer from the north of Ireland negotiating between the responsibilities of art and the demands of violent conflict. Friel's work forms the cornerstone of contemporary Irish drama and this comprehensive study shows why he is recognized as one of the most significant and influential playwrights writing today. It is aimed at students of literature and drama in sixth-forms and on undergraduate courses. It is suitable for students and lecturers of Irish studies; scholars valuing the extensive and up-to-date bibliography; and the interested general reader. Geraldine Higgins' study considers all of Friel's published plays. The study addresses Brian Friel's theatrical development through chronological and thematic phases. Brian Friel is hugely popular playwright with mass as well as critical appeal.