A chance encounter with an eccentric clergyman leads a curious narrator to uncover a bizarre secret regarding the man's past lives. The narrator, Henslowe Fisk, becomes fascinated by the peculiar habits of Dean Spanley, a man whose affinity for fine wines and strange behavior hints at a canine soul trapped in a human body. As Fisk probes deeper into the Dean's history, he must navigate the social constraints of Edwardian England while confronting the logical absurdity of reincarnation. The narrative unfolds through a blend of witty observation and whimsical dialogue, capturing the tension between rigid societal expectations and the inexplicable nature of the Dean's memories.

Lord Dunsany's work is frequently cited as a unique contribution to early twentieth-century fantasy, noted for its gentle humor and imaginative premise. Readers often highlight the charm of the central conceit, finding the Dean's canine-inspired personality both amusing and surprisingly poignant. The narrative style is characterized by a refined, understated wit that avoids broad slapstick in favor of sophisticated character study. Critics and readers alike appreciate how the story balances its fantastical elements with a grounded, realistic portrayal of its Edwardian setting. The inclusion of the screenplay in this edition provides an interesting look at how the story's subtle tone translates to a visual medium.