This biography investigates the life and creative evolution of Jacob Epstein, specifically focusing on how his radical artistic vision consistently clashed with the conservative cultural establishment of his time. Stephen Gardiner, utilizing extensive personal research and previously unpublished archival papers, constructs a detailed portrait of the sculptor. The work examines the origins of Epstein's prolific output while contextualizing his career within the broader socio-political resistance he faced throughout the twentieth century.

The text provides a thorough and scholarly examination of Epstein's career, positioning him as a central figure in the development of modern sculpture. The inclusion of unpublished documentation suggests a high level of academic rigor, making this an essential resource for those interested in the intersection of art and institutional conflict.