This book investigates the coherence and historical significance of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's relational theory of space and time in relation to modern physical concepts. Arthur, a scholar of early modern philosophy and science, utilizes Leibniz's correspondence and primary manuscripts to argue that his views on space and time are not merely historical curiosities but offer a sophisticated framework that anticipates aspects of general relativity. The text systematically reconstructs Leibniz's arguments against Newtonian absolute space to demonstrate their logical consistency within his broader metaphysical system.

Scholars and historians of science frequently cite this work for its rigorous technical analysis of Leibniz's physical theories. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational understanding of both early modern philosophy and classical mechanics.