This is the first biography in English of Antonio Machado, regarded by Spaniards as their finest 20th century poet. It contains translations of his poetry and prose, which are set within the dramatic story of his life.

It tells of his tragic marriage, his clandestine affair with a married woman and his close ties with his brother and fellow-poet Manuel, which ended when they took opposite sides in the Civil War. Antonio fought with his pen against Franco and was eventually driven into exile.

The book concludes with a psychological analysis of the man and his work.