This work investigates the core question of how the Victorian era shaped the modern British national identity and the psychological framework of its people. Donald Horne, an Australian intellectual and social critic, utilizes a broad historical lens to analyze the myths, institutions, and social structures that defined 19th-century Britain. He argues that the specific cultural values established during this period created a lasting, often rigid, template for British behavior and global influence.

Critics often note the sharp, analytical tone Horne employs to dissect the contradictions of the British character. Scholars frequently cite this text as a significant contribution to the study of national identity and the lingering effects of imperial culture.