Anyone interested in a well-written and accessible overview of the evolution and current status of the methods of training actors could not do better than to get this book. Richard Brestoff has clearly done a thorough job of research. He seems to have trained under practitioners of virtually every extant training system, and presents them in a way which is both entertaining and readily understood, even by those with little or no background in theater or film. The final section of the book, with concise descriptions of many of the available sources of training in the United States, would be of great value to any student who wants to pursue an acting career. It is not easy to present a great deal of solid information and maintain a lively, readable style, but this writer has done it. I suspect that even those with no professional interest in acting would enjoy the book. Professional actors will come away from it with renewed respect for their art and rekindled dedication ! to improving their craft.