Murphy (English, U. of Connecticut) profiles playwright David Mamet (b.1947) and thoroughly discusses his significant plays (among them: Glengarry Glen Ross, American Buffalo, Sexual Perversity in Chicago), his three novels, some lesser-known and shorter works, and his numerous essays, including an autobiographical essay "The Rake." She offers a thoughtful and detailed study of a complex, enigmatic man, and his work. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)