British literary and cultural critic Williams (1921-88) breaks with academic convention by characterizing modern tragic drama as an experience situated within the historical moments of modernity rather than an ahistorical genre that just happened to light in this era. His study was first published in 1966 by Chatto and Windus. Pamela McCallum (English, U. of Calgary) edits and introduces this edition. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)