"An impressively complete survey of the play in its cultural, theatrical, historical and political contexts." - David Bradby, co-editor of _Contemporary Theatre Review_ Samuel Beckett's _Waiting for Godot_ is not only an indisputably important and influential dramatic text -it is also one of the most significant western cultural landmarks of the twentieth century. Originally written in French, the play first amazed and appalled Parisian theatre-goers and critics before receiving a harshly dismissive initial critical response in Britain in 1955. Its influence since then on the international stage has been significant, impacting on generations of actors, directors and audiences.