This book proposes a rigorous, formal foundation for the future of database management systems by reconciling relational theory with object-oriented requirements. Authors C. J. Date and Hugh Darwen, both recognized experts in relational database theory, present a comprehensive manifesto that outlines the necessary principles for data integrity and system architecture. By critiquing existing industry practices, they argue for a unified approach that prioritizes logical consistency and mathematical precision over ad-hoc vendor implementations.

Experts and database architects frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of modern data systems. Readers often note the high level of technical density and the uncompromising academic rigor applied throughout the prose.