This work investigates the life and artistic legacy of Antonin Artaud, specifically examining how his mental health struggles intersected with his radical theories on theater. Ronald Hayman utilizes biographical research and critical analysis of Artaud's writings to construct a framework that explains the evolution of the Theatre of Cruelty. The text balances historical documentation with an evaluation of Artaud's impact on modern performance art and avant-garde literature.

Critics and scholars frequently cite this work as a reliable entry point for understanding the complex relationship between Artaud's personal instability and his theatrical innovations. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a foundational text for students of twentieth-century drama.