'Nowhere has the American theatre been treated to such a thorough discussion of its culture, plays and players, directors, designers, architects and producers, also encompassing the development and transformation of the theatre within the country's changing social and political climate.' Michael Whitlatch, Journal of Theatre Research International

• Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth; Timeline: 1870–1945: compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley; 1. The hieroglyphic state: American theatre and society, post Civil War to 1945 Thomas Postlewait; 2. A changing theatre: New York and beyond John Frick; 3. Plays and playwrights: Plays and playwrights: civil war to 1896 Tice L. Miller; Plays and playwrights: 1896–1915 Ronald Wainscott; Plays and playwrights: 1915–45 Brenda Murphy; 4. Theatre groups and their playwrights Mark Fearnow; 5. Popular entertainment Brooks McNamara; 6. Musical theatre Thomas Riis; 7. Actors and acting Daniel J. Watermeier; 8. Scenography, stagecraft, and architecture Mary C. Henderson; 9. Directors and direction Warren Kliewer.

'Nowhere has the American theatre been treated to such a thorough discussion of its culture, plays and players, directors, designers, architects and producers, also encompassing the development and transformation of the theatre within the country's changing social and political climate.' Michael Whitlatch, Journal of Theatre Research International

• Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth; Timeline: 1870–1945: compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley; 1. The hieroglyphic state: American theatre and society, post Civil War to 1945 Thomas Postlewait; 2. A changing theatre: New York and beyond John Frick; 3. Plays and playwrights: Plays and playwrights: civil war to 1896 Tice L. Miller; Plays and playwrights: 1896–1915 Ronald Wainscott; Plays and playwrights: 1915–45 Brenda Murphy; 4. Theatre groups and their playwrights Mark Fearnow; 5. Popular entertainment Brooks McNamara; 6. Musical theatre Thomas Riis; 7. Actors and acting Daniel J. Watermeier; 8. Scenography, stagecraft, and architecture Mary C. Henderson; 9. Directors and direction Warren Kliewer.