This work investigates the political and personal trajectories of the later generations of the Churchill family, specifically focusing on their influence within the British political landscape. A.L. Rowse, a noted historian of the Tudor period and the Churchill family, utilizes his extensive access to private papers and historical records to construct a narrative that traces the family's decline and evolution. The text argues that the family's later years reflect broader shifts in the British aristocracy and the changing nature of political power during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Historians often note that Rowse’s prose is highly opinionated and reflects his personal biases regarding the subjects. While the book is recognized for its access to primary source material, scholars frequently highlight the need to cross-reference his interpretations with more objective modern biographies.