Miller traces Laing's tumultuous life and career, as he moved from the forefront of humane, and humanist, psychiatry to a position of notoriety. He explores the depth, validity, influence, and context (both national and international) of Laing's innovative, controversial work and his important influence on the "antipsychiatry movement." Later in life, Laing's personal and professional life suffered as he became an alcoholic, professionally unlicensed, and as disturbed, at times, as anyone he had ever treated.