"From America's most renowned theatre historian, here is the definitive study of two of Mary C. Henderson's most beloved subjects: New York City and the history of theatre in New York City. Complete with maps, rare photographs, and dozens of never-before-published pen-and-ink drawings, this book brings to life the dramatic chronicle of the world's greatest city and the inimitable, world-class theatre culture for which it is known." "Each chapter of The City and the Theatre discusses a specific period of New York City's geography and history and is broken into two parts, one discussing urban development, social history, and relevant economic and political issues, and the other discussing the rise of the theatre and its great patrons, architects, and visionaries. The result is a full portrait of New York theatre set against the backdrop of its times. The final chapter features a special treat: biographies of the more than seventy-five Broadway theatres in Times Square."--BOOK JACKET.