This engrossing book presents the first collection in more than three decades of the writings of one of America's finest drama critics. Richard Gilman chronicles a major period in American theater history, one that witnessed the birth or spread of Off-Broadway, regional theater, nonprofit companies, and avant-garde performance, as well as growing interest in plays by women and minorities and in world drama. Gilman's writing, however, is more than a revealing look at an era. It is criticism for the ages. Insightful, provocative, and impassioned, the articles represent the full range of Gilman's interests. There are essays, profiles, and book reviews dealing with such topics as the "new naturalism" in theater, Brecht's collected plays, and the legacy of Stanislavski. There is also a generous sampling of Gilman's comments on plays by O'Neill, Miller, Chekhov, Albee, Ibsen, Anouilh, Beckett, Ionesco, Pinter, Fugard, and many others. A foreword by Gordon Rogoff offers an appreciation of Gilman's achievement.

"A splendid and valuable book."-Stanley Kauffmann Richard Gilman is emeritus professor in the Yale School of Drama. He is the author of six books and hundreds of reviews and essays. Gordon Rogoff is professor of dramaturgy and dramatic criticism at the Yale School of Drama.