This work investigates the social, economic, and personal lives of domestic servants in 18th-century Britain to understand their role within the broader household structure. Bridget Hill, a noted historian of women and labor, utilizes primary source documentation and archival records to challenge traditional perceptions of the servant class. The text argues that the servant experience was highly stratified and deeply influenced by gender, location, and the specific economic requirements of their employers.

Historians frequently cite this collection as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of 18th-century domestic labor. Experts note that the prose is accessible to students of social history while maintaining the academic rigor required for professional research.