A Sampler of Plays by Women focuses on the lives and plays of five female dramatists: Hroswitha (10th century), Aphra Behn (1640-89), Susanna Centlivre (ca. 1670-1723), Elizabeth Inchbald (1751-1821), and Lady Gregory (1852-1932). Each chapter presents one playwright"s life, descriptions of her dramatic works, her place in theatrical circles during her lifetime, and her significance in the spectrum of western theatre. A major play by each dramatist is included in each chapter.