What are the defining characteristics of the great novels of the nineteenth century, and how do the personal lives of their authors influence the structure and success of these works? W. Somerset Maugham, a celebrated novelist and playwright, applies his own craft-based perspective to analyze ten canonical works of fiction. He examines the intersection of the authors' private struggles, moral failings, and artistic intentions, arguing that the quality of a novel is inextricably linked to the character of the person who wrote it.

Critics often note that Maugham’s approach is subjective and conversational rather than strictly academic, reflecting his own preferences as a writer. Scholars frequently highlight this work as a unique window into how a master of fiction evaluates the technical and moral foundations of his predecessors.