This work investigates the evolving social expectations, rituals, and interpersonal dynamics inherent in the institution of marriage within British society. Drusilla Beyfus, a noted social commentator and journalist, utilizes her extensive experience observing British social mores to construct a comprehensive analysis of the marital state. The book examines how historical traditions intersect with modern pressures, providing a framework for understanding the shifting roles of partners in a changing cultural landscape.

Critics and readers often note that Beyfus provides a sharp, observational look at the nuances of British domestic life. The text is frequently cited as a valuable cultural document for those interested in the sociology of mid-to-late 20th-century British relationships.