This volume investigates the structural and thematic evolution of Roman theatrical performance through a curated selection of primary dramatic texts. Philip W. Harsh, a scholar of classical literature, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transition from Greek models to the distinctively Roman comedic and tragic forms. By analyzing the works of Plautus, Terence, and Seneca, the text establishes the socio-political context that shaped the development of Roman stagecraft.

Scholars and students of classical drama frequently cite this anthology as a foundational resource for accessing Roman theatrical works in a single volume. The prose is noted for its academic clarity, making it a standard reference for undergraduate courses in Western literature and theater history.