The narrative follows the shifting fortunes of newspaper magnate Sir Daniel Dunkerley as he navigates the social and professional complexities of early 20th-century London. Following the events of the previous volume, the story tracks the maturation of the next generation, including Laurie Dunkerley and the Dilworth siblings, Alec and Elsie. These characters grapple with the rigid class structures and moral expectations of the era while attempting to forge their own paths. The prose maintains a traditional, omniscient perspective, documenting the intersection of personal ambition and the changing media landscape of the 1900s.

This work is regarded as a quintessential example of the mid-century British social saga, reflecting the author's keen interest in the intersection of commerce and character. The narrative is noted for its steady pacing and its commitment to the development of a sprawling cast over several decades. Readers often highlight the author's ability to capture the specific atmosphere of the early 1900s, particularly regarding the evolution of the press. The book serves as a bridge between the industrial grit of the previous volume and the refined, yet equally complex, social circles of London.