This study will endeavor to present, in simple and concise form, a survey of this continuous dramatic movement from its earliest recorded expression to contemporary moments under a single cover. Since to know thoroughly the dramatic output of any one period might command the industry of a lifetime, the task is a colossal one and precludes any pretense at completeness; the treatment is suggestive rather than informative, and should be supplemented by a study of the plays indicated under each section. After all, the important thing is not the painful piling of fact upon fact but gaining an intelligent working knowledge of the whole and knowing exactly where to turn for detail when it is needed. The information has been gathered from many works upon the various phases, to which the writer is deeply indebted, all of which are indicated in the bibliographies. We purpose, then, to take a sort of ''Cook's Tour'' over the whole domain of the drama, touching the main points of interest, and leaving the reader to return and explore at leisure.