This work investigates the origins, philosophical underpinnings, and aesthetic manifestations of the Surrealist movement in early twentieth-century Europe. David Gascoyne, a poet and active participant in the movement, utilizes his firsthand knowledge to document the transition from Dadaism to the more structured, dream-oriented explorations of Surrealism. He presents a framework that situates the movement within the broader context of political unrest and the psychological theories of the era, arguing that Surrealism functioned as a necessary liberation of the human subconscious.

Experts recognize this text as a primary source document that captures the immediate spirit of the Surrealist movement from an insider's viewpoint. Readers frequently note the historical significance of Gascoyne's prose, which serves as a foundational reference for those studying the intersection of avant-garde poetry and visual art.