This work investigates the intellectual and social climate of Athens during the life of Euripides to determine how the playwright's work reflected the shifting values of his era. Gilbert Murray, a renowned classical scholar, utilizes his deep knowledge of Greek texts and historical context to argue that Euripides served as a critical voice against the traditionalist structures of his time. By examining the political instability and philosophical evolution of the Peloponnesian War period, Murray constructs a framework that positions Euripides as a radical innovator in drama.

Scholars and students of classics frequently cite this text as a foundational, albeit dated, introduction to the intersection of Greek drama and history. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which reflects the scholarly standards of the early twentieth century.