This collection investigates the historical significance and theoretical underpinnings of the avant-garde performance art movement through primary source documentation. Mariellen Sandford compiles a curated selection of articles, manifestos, and interviews to provide a comprehensive look at the artists who defined the happenings movement. By gathering these scattered texts, the book establishes a clear record of the creative philosophies that challenged traditional artistic boundaries during the mid-twentieth century.

Scholars and art historians frequently cite this collection as a vital resource for understanding the intellectual climate of the avant-garde era. The text is regarded as a foundational reference for students and researchers interested in the intersection of performance and visual art.