Grade 9 Up-Combining and updating Critical Survey of Drama, Revised Edition, English Language Series (1994) and Critical Survey of Drama, Foreign Language Series (1986, both Salem) and adding 79 completely new essays, Rollyson has created a near comprehensive work of extraordinary value. The first seven volumes contain articles on individual writers from Aeschylus and Aristophanes to Sarah Kane and the resurrection of Edward Albee's work. Survey essays covering European and world drama, techniques, and genres appear in volume eight. Most of the genres covered are traditional: vaudeville, melodrama, musical, etc., but the editor has also addressed what might be called the postmodern: deaf, feminist, and gay and lesbian theater. Essays on individuals begin with a list of works and a brief biography, followed by an analysis of the dramatist's important plays-often not much more than a plot summary interspersed with touches of critical and biographical commentary.
