The book by the famous literary critic, critic and researcher of dramatic art Eric Bentley is devoted to the most pressing problems of drama and theater. “The Life of Drama” is a truly comprehensive work. Starting from the first part, from the “simplest” plot of the play, the author gradually leads the reader to its highest purpose - the stage embodiment. The second part is constructed in the same way, which provides an overview of all types of plays: from melodrama to tragicomedy, including such a now popular genre in Russia as the musical. The author analyzes the best examples of drama from antiquity until the middle of the 20th century. The book is intended for students of creative universities, where the basics of drama are presented in a popular form, and for all those who are interested in the art of theater.