现代大学英语阅读2text8.pptVIP

7. Behind the Words Author: Harold Longman Authority: What’s Behind the Word? Skimming for expressions ※ about which stories are told Appreciation of wording and phrasing Homework: Retell the stories 8. The Chaser Author: John Collier First Published: 1951 Type of Plot: Horror Time of Work: About 1940 Setting: New York City Principal Characters: Alan Austen, An old man Genres: Short fiction, Horror literature Subjects: New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Magic or magicians, Love or romance, Murder or homicide, New York City, Marriage, 1940’s, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Poisons or poisoning Locales: New York, NY John Collier John Collier, a writer of various genres, was born in London on May 3, 1901. He obtained a private education, and began writing poetry at age nineteen, and was first published in 1920. During the early 1930s he concentrated on writing novels and short stories. One of Colliers most popular works from this period was His Monkey Wife, first published in 1930. In this short novel, Collier covers the controversial topic of conjugal love between a man and a chimpanzee. Collier became best known as a writer of fantasy, and though largely unpopular in his native country, gained significant popularity in the United States. In 1935 Collier moved from England to Hollywood where he began writing screenplays. He would remain an active screenwriter for the next thirty years, as well as do substantial writing for television. Some of Colliers screenplays include Elephant Boy (1937), I Am a Camera (1955), and The War Lord (1965). Collier devoted much effort during the late 1960s to the transformation of Miltons Paradise Lost into a screenplay. However, despite being published in book form, his hopes of turning the screenplay into a film were never realized. Colliers other published works include Gemini (poetry collection, 1931), Toms A-Cold (novel, 1933),