A powerful political operative envisions a radical transformation of America through civil war and the establishment of an administrative state. The protagonist, Philip Dru, seeks to dismantle the existing constitutional order and eradicate 'reactionary' elements to usher in a utopian society. He faces opposition from those who uphold the current system and resist his progressive ideals. The narrative framework appears to be that of a political allegory, reflecting the author's own views on governance and societal change.

Philip Dru: Administrator is often viewed as a significant, albeit controversial, work reflecting early 20th-century progressive political thought and its more radical underpinnings. Critics have noted its prescient, if disturbing, vision of an administrative state achieved through forceful means, drawing parallels between the novel's themes and later political developments. The book's autobiographical nature, as suggested by its reception, allows for an examination of the author's personal political philosophy and his critique of existing governmental structures. Its enduring relevance lies in its stark portrayal of unchecked bureaucratic ambition and its potential consequences.