Here are some reviews of books I've read recently regarding the theory and practice of drama. I've summarized the reivews from Highly Recommended to Recommended to Not Recommended. The rare exceptional book will receive the appropriate superlatives. My reviews are for the reader who wants practical information useful to the craft of screenwriting.

My aim is practice, not theory. There are many theoretical books on drama available, and I only plan to read a few of the more mainstream texts. Similarly, stage or screen plays I have read have been primarily for study, and as models for practicing imitation. If a script does not lend itself to that kind of dissection I have generally passed by it, regardless of any other merits it may posess.

With these caveats, I share with you my opinions of the following books, to help you find the resources that will be useful to you in learning the art of scriptwriting. New reviews will join the list sporadically

"The Art of Dramatic Writing," by Lajos Egri
"Secrets of Screen Acting," by Patrick Tucker
"The Poetics," by Aristotle
"Jumpers and The Real Inspector Hound," by Tom Stoppard
"Raiders of the Lost Ark," screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan
"Writing for Story," by Jon Franklin
"The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations" by Georges Polti
"Screenwriting Tricks of the Trade," by William Froug
"Creating Unforgettable Characters," by Linda Seger