Peter, a young man working in a provincial bookshop, navigates the mundane frustrations of his professional life and the eccentricities of his domestic situation through a series of candid, witty diary entries. As he attempts to establish independence from his aunt and uncle, Peter must balance his aspirations for romance with the absurd realities of the book trade. The narrative unfolds through these personal reflections, providing a sharp, observational look at the literary world of the mid-twentieth century. His internal monologue serves as the primary lens, capturing the friction between his intellectual ambitions and his provincial surroundings.

Originally serialized in The Bookseller, this work gained significant attention for its authentic and humorous portrayal of the book trade. The diaries are noted for their sharp wit and the lighthearted, yet observant, tone that Brian Aldiss employs to capture the quirks of his characters. Readers often highlight the charm of the protagonist's voice and the specific, period-accurate details of the provincial setting. The work serves as a notable early example of the author's ability to blend character study with social satire, marking a distinct starting point in his long literary career.