About the book: 1986 / "A Madman's Word in His Defense" continues the series of autobiographical works by the writer. The novel describes the story of the complex relationship between August Strindberg and his first wife, Siri von Essen. The title of the novel clearly shows an analogy with Socrates’ “Defensive Speech.” The hero of the novel does not so much confess to the reader as act as his own lawyer, protecting himself from slander and destroying the “legend” of his life that has already been established in society.