This work investigates the evolution and eventual decline of the 'man of letters' as a central cultural figure within the landscape of modern literature. John J. Gross examines the historical trajectory of the intellectual critic, drawing upon a wide array of biographical sketches and critical essays to illustrate how the role shifted from a public-facing cultural arbiter to a more specialized academic pursuit. The author argues that the transition reflects broader changes in the relationship between literature, society, and the professionalization of the humanities.

Scholars and critics frequently cite this text as a definitive examination of the intellectual history of literary criticism. Readers often note the dense, erudite prose style that requires a foundational knowledge of the figures discussed.