This work investigates the historical evolution of English theatrical performance from its origins in pagan festivals and religious dramas to the establishment of professional venues like the Globe. C. Walter Hodges utilizes his background as an illustrator and theater historian to reconstruct the architectural and cultural development of the Elizabethan stage. The text provides a framework for understanding how social, religious, and artistic forces converged to create the specific environment of Shakespearean theater.

Experts and educators frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for students of theater history due to its clear, accessible prose and detailed visual reconstructions. Readers often note that the book serves as an effective primer for understanding the physical constraints and logistical realities of the Elizabethan stage.