This anthology captures the shifting cultural and political landscape of Ireland through the lens of its most influential twentieth-century playwrights. Robert W. Corrigan compiles a selection of plays that define the evolution of Irish dramatic expression, focusing on the tension between national identity and individual experience. The works navigate the constraints of post-colonial reality, religious tradition, and the struggle for artistic autonomy. The collection serves as a historical record of the Irish literary revival, presenting the scripts as both performance pieces and social commentary.

Readers and scholars frequently identify this collection as a foundational resource for understanding the trajectory of Irish drama. Discussion often centers on the stylistic shift from the poetic, myth-heavy works of the early revival to the grittier, more socially conscious plays of the mid-century. Critics highlight the editor's ability to curate pieces that demonstrate the unique cadence of Irish English on the stage. The anthology is often praised for its balanced representation of the thematic concerns that dominated the Irish theatrical scene for decades. It remains a primary reference point for those interested in the intersection of national history and dramatic art.