Tento americký divadelní kritik byl v letech 1925 až 1960 spolupracovníkem deníku The New York Times. V deníku byl ve svém nekrologu označen za "nejdůležitějšího kritika své doby". Jeho recenze ovlivňovaly divadelní svět a jeho slova měla váhu pro kritiky i divadelní tvůrce. Jeho práce přispěla k formování divadelní krajiny a jeho odkaz žije dál.
From one of the greatest figures of 19th-century America... This new edition offers a broad view of the author's finest work, featuring his critical essays, poems, and letters, plus a considerable amount of material from the Journals, including an entry discovered in 1964 in the Library of Congress.
The influence of Brooks Atkinson on Broadway was profound, as he championed the importance of writing and acting during times of change in the theater district. His reviews could significantly impact a production's success, with positive critiques leading to financial gains and fame, while negative ones often signaled a rapid decline in attendance. Atkinson's presence ensured that Broadway remained a vibrant hub of entertainment, maintaining its relevance in the heart of Times Square.