This book investigates the common pitfalls and absurdities encountered in the study and instruction of English literature and composition. Richard Willard Armour, a seasoned educator and satirist, utilizes his extensive background in academia to deconstruct the rigid structures of English departments. He presents a framework that balances practical advice for students and teachers with a humorous critique of the field's most pretentious conventions.

Readers frequently note the lighthearted and accessible nature of the prose, which serves as a relief from more dense academic texts. Experts highlight this work as a classic example of mid-century academic satire that remains relevant for those familiar with the traditional English classroom environment.