Kathryn White is Part Time Lecturer at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.

"Beckett and Decay offers a cogent and reader-friendly overview of the physical, mental, spiritual, and linguistic aspects of decay throughout Beckett's oeuvre. The clarity of White's treatment of this fundamental subject make her book a welcome addition to the Beckett library." - Thomas Cousineau, Professor of English, Washington College, USA "Decay in this study operates not as a mere feature or theme of Beckett's work, but as a structural element. White engages seriously with the paradox that decay can be as productive as it is destructive. Whether it relates to physical, material, mental, aesthetic or linguistic environments, the decay explored here is richly generative. This is a study of richness rather than depletion." - Professor Mary Bryden, Department of French Studies, University of Reading, UK 'I welcome a book, such as this, in which readings of Beckett's texts unashamedly take centre stage' - The Journal of Beckett Studies 'What really singles out White's work is the clarity and accessibility of her discussion. The subject is not a simple one by any means, but White has managed to steer clear of allowing the difficulties to complicate her explication - a rare talent, and a very welcome one.' -- Irish Studies Review

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction Part I: Physical Decay 1. The Body Infirm 2. Old Age: The Dictatorship of Time 3. The Decaying Landscape 4. Moribund Man: Beckett and Death Part II: Mental Decline and Spiritual Attrition 5. The Trap of Memory 6. Tired Minds 7. Perceptions of Insanity 8. 'I can't go on, I'll go on': The Ebbing Spirit Part III: Death of the Word 9. Minimalism and Reductionism: Advancing Towards Lessness 10. Dramaticuls11.The Miniaturist of the Word: The Shorter Prose 12. Voices, Ghosts, Silence: Into Nothingness Conclusion Bibliography Index