The reputation of Webster and Ford is based on a handful of tragedies remarkable for their extreme situations and emotional intensity. Successful productions since 1945 have helped to vindicate the enthusiastic judgements of nineteenth-century Romantic critics and demonstrated that these plays retain their capacity to disturb audiences, arousing strong responses of both horror and pity. Rowland Wymer outlines the careers of both dramatists and illuminates the Jacobean and Caroline theatrical contexts.

He goes on to give original and detailed analyses of six plays, emphasising their emotional power and theatrical effectiveness and making frequent reference to modern performances. The plays considered include The White Devil, The Duchess of Malfi and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore.