Brooks Atkinson (1894-1984) was an esteemed American theatre critic, journalist, and author. Born on November 28, 1894 in Melrose, Massachusetts, Atkinson began his career in journalism as a reporter for the New York Times in 1922. He quickly became the publication’s chief theatre critic, a position he held for over three decades until his retirement in 1960. Atkinson’s insightful and engaging critiques, characterized by elegant prose and thoughtful analysis, earned him immense respect within the theatre community. He was known for championing the works of renowned playwrights such as Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams, while also providing constructive criticism to emerging talents. Atkinson’s contributions to theatre criticism were widely recognized, and he received a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1947. He authored several books on theatre, including “Broadway” (1970) and “Once Around the Sun” (1951). Brooks Atkinson passed away on January 14, 1984, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of America’s most influential theatre critics.