This reference work serves as a comprehensive catalog designed to identify and contextualize the most significant plays in the history of world theater. Michael Patterson, a scholar of drama, compiles detailed entries that provide foundational data for students, academics, and theater professionals. The text functions as a structured repository of information, standardizing the presentation of plot summaries and production histories across a vast array of theatrical traditions.

Experts and academics frequently cite this dictionary as a reliable, high-utility resource for quick verification of theatrical facts. Readers note that the concise format makes it an efficient tool for directors and students seeking immediate context on a wide range of global dramatic works.