The sudden disappearance of a celebrated author, T.T. Waring, triggers a frantic search that exposes the absurdity of the literary establishment. The protagonist, a young man working for a publisher, finds himself tasked with tracking down the elusive Waring, whose absence threatens the release of his latest manuscript. As he navigates the eccentric social circles of London, he encounters a cast of characters who project their own desires and anxieties onto the missing man. The narrative, delivered with a detached and ironic tone, examines the tension between public reputation and private reality.

This novel is often regarded as a quintessential example of Anthony Powell's early satirical style, showcasing his keen eye for the absurdities of the literary world. Readers and critics frequently note the sharp, witty dialogue that defines the interactions between the various social climbers and intellectuals depicted in the story. The narrative structure effectively highlights the disconnect between the public image of a famous author and the mundane reality of his existence. While it lacks the sprawling scope of his later multi-volume works, the book remains a focused and biting critique of the vanity inherent in artistic circles.