Matthew Collings explores modern culture and its historical lineage. This examination of artistic freedom looks at the notions of Romanticism through the lives and works of the poets Coleridge and Wordsworth, and traces a link to the sixties hippy ideal and the Glastonbury Festival. The theme of authenticity in art is explored through 'Beat' writer Jack Kerouac. Collings also recreates a train journey to the frozen wastes of Northern Canada undertaken by classical pianist Glenn Gould.

Matthew Collings explores links between modern culture and Romanticism. An exploration of culture's dark and bleak side examines the connections between nineteenth-century French poetry and the more aggressive forms of contemporary rap. Collings travels to Harar in Ethiopia in search of the spirit of French poet Rimbaud, encountering a former life-prisoner who found redemption in the plays of Samuel Beckett, and ex-Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon.

Matthew Collings traces the history of notorious artistic figures from Lord Byron to Aleister Crowley and contemporary rock band Coil. Will Self and Jerry Lee Lewis talk about the role of bad guys in culture. Collings also visits a New York sex dungeon to explore the enduring fascination with the Marquis de Sade.