First published in 1968, History of the Theatre is the most comprehensive and widely used survey of theatre history. The eighth edition retains all of the traditional features that have made History of the Theatre a classic for over thirty years, including over 530 photos and illustrations, useful maps, and the expertise of Oscar Brockett, one of the most widely respected theatre historians in the field. Franklin J. Hildy contributes his scholarship and experience throughout the text and, in particular, to a discussion of English Theatre/Shakespeare (Ch. 6).

The authors have scrutinized each chapter closely to sharpen, update, and reinterpret information. Revised to include and address new revisionist scholarship, the eighth edition continues to provide the most thorough and accurate assessment of the history of theatre available.