Edited by Jeffrey Eric Jenkins, the 548-page book was released July 18 by Limelight Editions with a suggested retail price of $49.95. The 2004-2005 edition honors ten New York-based dramatic works, which follow:

After Ashley by Gina Gionfriddo (Essay by Elizabeth Maupin)
Brooklyn Boy by Donald Margulies (Essay by Michael Feingold)
Democracy by Michael Frayn (Essay by Chris Jones)
Doubt, a Parable by John Patrick Shanley (Essay by Jeremy McCarter)
Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson (Essay by Christopher Rawson)
Guantánamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom by Victoria Brittain & Gillian Slovo (Essay by Charles Wright)
Hot 'n' Throbbing by Paula Vogel (Essay by David Savran)
A Number by Caryl Churchill (Essay by Robert Hurwitt)
The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh (Essay by John Istel)
Romance by David Mamet (Essay by Robert Vorlicky)

Jenkins, in consultation with his editorial board — Robert Brustein, Tish Dace, Christine Dolen, Robert Hurwitt, John Istel, Chris Jones, Julius Novick, Michael Phillips, Christopher Rawson, Alisa Solomon, Jeffrey Sweet, Linda Winer and Charles Wright — chose the top-ten list from a mix of Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions. Plays up for consideration opened between June 1, 2004, and May 31, 2005.

In addition to the plays, the 86th edition of the series also honors three regional plays and provides a collection of facts and figures about the year in American theatre.

Visit www.bestplaysonline.com for more information.