This three-volume set investigates the chronological development and cultural evolution of the American theater from its colonial origins through the late twentieth century. Gerald Bordman, a respected theater historian, utilizes extensive archival research and production records to construct a comprehensive historical framework. The work argues that the American stage is a reflection of shifting national identity, documenting the transition from imported European models to a distinctively American dramatic tradition.

Experts and theater scholars frequently cite this set as a foundational reference for understanding the trajectory of American stage history. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a reliable resource for researchers and students of the performing arts.