This book offers a comprehensive look at the lives of five successful American women playwrights from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose works have been largely overlooked and remain underexplored. It broadens our understanding of the opportunities available to female professional writers during this period, specifically within the realm of theater. Engle's work stands out due to her extensive use of primary sources, which enriches her analysis. As noted by Susan Croft, former Senior Curator at the Theater Museum and author of She Also Wrote Plays: An International Guide to Women Playwrights, Engle's study is both clear and engaging.
The book is thoroughly researched and well-documented, placing the playwrights' works within the context of early Broadway theater. The author illustrates how these women both met and, in some instances, surpassed the expectations of their audiences, reflecting their significant impact on the dramatic landscape of the time.
