Death of a Salesman
In Arthur Miller's poignant drama "Death of a Salesman," Willy Loman, an aging salesman, grapples with the harsh realities of his unfulfilled dreams and the American Dream itself. As he clings to illusions of success, the threads of his family relationships unravel, revealing deep-seated regrets and aspirations. Willy's tragic journey forces us to confront the cost of ambition and societal expectations. With powerful dialogue and rich character development, Miller captures the essence of human fragility. Will Willy find redemption or will he be doomed to repeat the mistakes of his past?
By Arthur Miller
Published: 1976
"The great American dream is not about wealth; it’s about the relentless pursuit of identity and significance."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
The Pulitzer Prize-winning tragedy of a salesman’s deferred American dream Ever since it was first performed in 1949, Death of a Salesman has been recognized as a milestone of the American theater. In the person of Willy Loman, the aging, failing salesman who makes his living riding on a smile and a shoeshine, Arthur Miller redefined the tragic hero as a man whose dreams are at once insupportably vast and dangerously insubstantial. He has given us a figure whose name has become a symbol for a kind of majestic grandiosity—and a play that compresses epic extremes of humor and anguish, promise and loss, between the four walls of an American living room. "By common consent, this is one of the finest dramas in the whole range of the American theater." —Brooks Atkinson, The New York Times "So simple, central, and terrible that the run of playwrights would neither care nor dare to attempt it." —Time
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Death of a Salesman
About the Author
Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller (1915-2005) was an influential American playwright and essayist, renowned for his captivating narratives exploring themes of individuality, societal pressure, and morality. His most notable works include 'Death of a Salesman', 'The Crucible', and 'A View from the Bridge', all of which examine the struggles of the common man and the complexities of the human condition. Miller's writing style is characterized by its sharp dialogue, rich character development, and a poignant critique of American society, making him a significant figure in 20th-century literature.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Arthur Miller
- Published
- October 1976
- Publisher
- Penguin
- ISBN
- 0140481346
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 148
- Genres
- Modern LiteratureDramaLiterature
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Den of Thieves
James B. Stewart
No Rules Rules
Reed Hastings, Erin Meyer
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
The Drama of the Gifted Child
100 Great Operas And Their Stories
Henry W. Simon
QED and the Men who Made it
Silvan S. Schweber
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury
Confidence Men
Ron Suskind
Showing 8 of 28 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Daniel Pink's Book Recommendations
Daniel Pink is a renowned American author known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of business, work, and behavior. He has penned several bestselling books, including "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us," which explores the science of motivation and has been translated into over 30 languages. Pink's "A Whole New Mind" and "To Sell is Human" have also received critical acclaim, cementing his reputation as a thought leader. His insightful TED Talks and frequent contributions to major publications further amplify his influence. Pink's work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of motivation, creativity, and the modern workplace.
View Collection
Jon Hamm's Book Recommendations
Jon Hamm is an American actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the critically acclaimed television series "Mad Men," which aired from 2007 to 2015. While Hamm's achievements are primarily in acting, his portrayal of the complex, enigmatic ad executive has been lauded for its depth and nuance, significantly impacting television storytelling. His performance earned him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Beyond "Mad Men," Hamm has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility across genres. Though not primarily a literary figure, his work has influenced contemporary narratives and character development in modern media.
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Janet Mock's Book Recommendations
Janet Mock is an acclaimed writer, director, and transgender rights activist known for her groundbreaking memoir, "Redefining Realness," which became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with "Surpassing Certainty," further cementing her voice in contemporary literature. Mock's work has not only highlighted her own journey but also brought vital visibility to the transgender community. In addition to her literary achievements, she has made significant contributions to television, notably as a writer, director, and producer for the series "Pose." Through her multifaceted career, Mock has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an influential figure in modern storytelling.
View Collection
Julie Stevanja's Book Recommendations
Julie Stevanja is an accomplished entrepreneur and author, best known for co-founding the innovative activewear brand Stylerunner. Her leadership in the fashion industry has earned her recognition as a trailblazer in e-commerce and retail. Stevanja's insights into business and innovation are encapsulated in her writing, where she shares strategies and experiences that inspire budding entrepreneurs. In addition to her business acumen, she frequently contributes to various publications, offering advice on leadership and industry trends. Her influence extends beyond fashion, as she continues to empower others through her thoughtful and practical guidance.
View Collection
David Sedaris's Book Recommendations
David Sedaris is an American humorist, author, and radio contributor, known for his witty and satirical essays that explore themes of family, culture, and personal idiosyncrasies. Sedaris rose to fame with his collections Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, which have earned him a devoted following for his blend of humor and keen observation. His work is often autobiographical, capturing the quirks of everyday life in a humorous light. Sedaris regularly contributes to The New Yorker and NPR’s This American Life, and his live readings are popular events that showcase his comedic timing and unique storytelling style.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations
Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 14 related collections
“The great American dream is not about wealth; it’s about the relentless pursuit of identity and significance.”
Death of a Salesman
By Arthur Miller
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.