This work investigates the historical mystery of lost musical scores in English Renaissance comedy by proposing that playwrights frequently repurposed well-known melodies from the existing popular and composed repertory. Ross W. Duffin, a distinguished musicologist, utilizes his extensive knowledge of the period's musical landscape to bridge the gap between extant song lyrics and their missing tunes. By applying a rigorous methodology of musical reconstruction, he demonstrates how hundreds of songs from over a hundred plays can be restored to their original performance context.

Scholars and performers recognize this text as a significant contribution to the field of historical performance practice. Experts frequently note the meticulous nature of Duffin's research and the practical utility of his findings for modern theatrical productions.