This volume investigates the foundational principles, aesthetic goals, and historical evolution of the Naturalist movement in European theater. C. D. Innes, a scholar of modern drama, compiles a comprehensive collection of primary source documents to illustrate how playwrights and directors sought to replicate reality on stage. The text argues that Naturalism was not merely a stylistic choice but a rigorous attempt to apply scientific observation and social determinism to the dramatic arts.

Scholars and theater practitioners frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for understanding the transition to modern dramatic realism. The text is noted for its academic rigor and its ability to synthesize complex theoretical documents into a coherent historical narrative.