Drama

Drama: An Introductory Anthology was published in 1961 by Little, Brown and Company, emerging during a period when the academic study of theater was becoming increasingly structured within American university curricula. Otto Reinert, a scholar of English and comparative literature, compiled this volume to provide undergraduates with a foundational survey of major dramatic works, spanning from classical Greek tragedy to the modern era. The collection was designed to serve as a comprehensive classroom resource, balancing canonical plays with critical essays that introduced students to the essential elements of stagecraft, structure, and thematic analysis.

The editorial philosophy behind the anthology favored a historical progression, illustrating the evolution of dramatic form through the lens of influential playwrights like Sophocles, Shakespeare, Molière, and Ibsen. By providing both the texts and pedagogical context, Reinert aimed to bridge the gap between mere reading and active dramatic criticism. Upon its release, the book was received as a stable and reliable staple for humanities departments, appreciated by educators for its thoughtful selection and the clarity of its accompanying scholarly apparatus.