This work investigates the evolution and enduring significance of the term 'tragedy' as a literary and dramatic construct from classical antiquity to the modern era. Clifford Leech, a distinguished scholar of dramatic literature, synthesizes centuries of theoretical discourse and practical application to define the boundaries of the tragic form. By examining the interplay between critical theory and the plays themselves, he constructs a framework that accounts for the shifting definitions of tragedy across disparate cultural and historical contexts.

Scholars and students of drama frequently cite this text as a comprehensive survey of the tragic tradition. Experts highlight the author's ability to bridge the gap between classical theory and twentieth-century experimental theater.