The 101 Greatest Plays: From Antiquity to the Present

Michael Billington's profoundly informed passion about the theatre is wonderful and touching.

Lucidly written and argued this is a seriously pleasurable book, founded upon a life spent valuably in theatres.

[T]he elegance and vigour of [Billington's] writing ... backed by his unparalleled banks of theatrical knowledge and wisdom - makes these essays a joy to read, even while we rage and quibble over Billington's choices, and set about compiling lists of our own.

Billington's book challenges readers to disagree - not just with his choices, but with the reasons behind his choices - and will perhaps inspire some to compile their own lists. . . Greatness may be reserved for 101 plays, but the brief biographies here of so many exceptional dramatists open the doors to further exploration.

[A] pleasure to read ... there is probably nobody currently living who has the knowledge, experience and memory of Michael Billington when it comes to writing a book of this type ... Its value lies not only in its historical and geographical sweep but also the quality of the research and writing ... Michael Billington has written a book that is simultaneously important and enjoyable. Who could ask for anything more?

[T]he essays are not just about playtexts and the way the words read on a page. The performances Billington has seen of each play feed inexorably into the choices he has made in the book. It's a tribute to actors, directors and theatre buildings as well - that's what makes it theatre.