Originally published in 1934, this book contains the Le Bas prize Essay for the same year on the subject of realism in drama.

1. Introduction. The general relationship between art and criticism: limitations of form: method of the essay; 2. The Greek drama. Theory and practice; 3. Rome: comedy. Theory and practice; 4. The Elizabethan drama. Theory and practice; 5. The neo-classic period. Theory and practice; 6. The nineteenth century. Theory and practice; 7. Conclusion.