First published in 1975, The Psychology of Tragic Drama offers an interpretation of some of the themes of both ancient and modern tragic drama through an investigation of the plays in the light of psychoanalytical ideas. The author explains and defends the application of psychoanalytical insights to the study of literature.

Patrick Roberts read both Classics and English at Christ Church, Oxford; he followed this with sixteen years on the staff of the Extra-Mural Delegacy of Oxford University in Staffordshire and Kent, and as Resident tutor in East Sussex. At the time of the first publication, he was Lecturer in English at University College, London.