Tento americký divadelný kritik pôsobil v denníku The New York Times v rokoch 1925 až 1960. V jeho nekrológu ho denník označil za "najdôležitejšieho recenzenta svojej doby". Jeho recenzie mali vplyv na divadelný svet a jeho slová mali váhu pre kritikov aj divadelných tvorcov. Jeho práca prispela k formovaniu divadelnej scény a jeho odkaz pretrváva.
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.