More than 350 portraits from various editions of the John Bell publication, Bell's Shakespeare and from Bell's British Theatre are featured in this book. These are portraits of players in costume for their roles. Most are by James Roberts and Samuel De Wilde, who were among the leading painters of actors and actresses between 1770 and 1820. Richard Cosway, William Hamilton, Gilbert Stuart, and other painters also have work represented in the catalogue, with engraved plates by artists including James Thornwaite, William Leney, and Philippe Audinet.