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William Archer Biography

(1856–1924), The World, Tribune, Manchester Guardian, The Pillars of Society, Quicksands, The Green Goddess



British translator and dramatic critic, born in Scotland, educated in Edinburgh; he served as a critic for The World, Tribune, and the Manchester Guardian, among other publications. However, his most important contribution to literature and the theatre was to introduce Ibsen to Britain and crusade for the acceptance of his drama. This task began in 1880, when his abridged version of The Pillars of Society was produced in London under the title of Quicksands, and culminated in the publication of his translation of Ibsen's works in twelve volumes, starting in 1906. Archer also wrote and edited numerous books on drama and the theatre, and had one play performed, a melodrama entitled The Green Goddess (1920).



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Literature Reference: American Literature, English Literature, Classics & Modern FictionEncyclopedia of Literature: Agha Shahid Ali Biography to Ardoch Perth and Kinross