This collection investigates the intellectual and social landscape of the 17th century through the lens of Samuel Butler's satirical prose. The volume compiles the non-poetic writings of the author, providing a critical examination of the political, religious, and cultural shifts occurring during the Restoration period. By analyzing these observations, the text offers a window into the mind of a writer best known for his critique of Puritanism.

Scholars and literary historians view this volume as a foundational resource for understanding the prose style and ideological concerns of Samuel Butler. Readers frequently note the academic density of the text, which is primarily intended for researchers and students of Restoration-era literature.