This study investigates the landscape of English fiction between 1895 and 1920, a period of significant literary transformation. David Trotter, an established scholar, provides an accessible introduction to the era's diverse literary output, from experimental works to popular genres. The book analyzes key authors such as James, Conrad, Kipling, Bennett, Lawrence, Lewis, and Joyce, establishing a framework for understanding literary styles. It then explores the prevalent themes of gender, race, nationality, sexual psychology, and the dynamics of production and consumption that preoccupied writers of the time, aiming to reshape the understanding of literary Modernism.

The book is designed as a comprehensive introduction for students, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject. It aims to redefine the understanding of literary Modernism by analyzing a wide range of fiction from the period. The study is expected to be useful for students of modern English literature due to its structured approach and thematic depth.