This volume presents a curated selection of the most significant theatrical works from the 1996-1997 season. Edited by Otis L. Guernsey Jr., a recognized authority in American theater, the book offers critical insights into the year's most impactful plays. It serves as an essential record for understanding the landscape of American drama during that period, highlighting both established and emerging voices.

The collection is regarded as a valuable archival resource for theater historians and enthusiasts. It provides a focused look at a specific year in American playwriting, offering both critical summaries and direct engagement with the text. The selection by Otis L. Guernsey Jr. suggests a curated perspective on theatrical merit for the period. This volume serves as a concise reference for understanding the dramatic output of 1996-1997.