From 1935 to 1939, Eugene O'Neill worked on a cycle of plays that would trace the history of an American family through several generations. This is the story of that project. The author reveals what the dramatist tried to do, how he went about it, and why in the end he failed.

From 1935 to 1939, Eugene O'Neill devoted nearly all of his creative energy to a vast cycle of plays that would trace the history of an American family through several generations. In showing the corrupting influence of material things upon its members, O'Neill would provide "a prophetic epitome for the course of American destiny". Quoting extensively from unpublished notes, outlines, scenarios and drafts, and incorporating detailed plot summaries, this book tells the story of the cycle project. It shows what the dramatist tried to do, how he went about it, and why in the end he failed.