This biography investigates the life and professional trajectory of William Plomer, examining how his identity and experiences shaped his significant contributions to 20th-century literature and publishing. Peter F. Alexander utilizes extensive archival research and personal correspondence to construct a comprehensive account of Plomer's development from his early years in South Africa to his influential role in the British literary establishment. The text argues that Plomer's unique perspective, informed by his experiences as a homosexual man and an expatriate, was central to his editorial success and his creative output across multiple genres.

Scholars and literary historians frequently cite this work as the definitive biographical resource on Plomer's life and career. Experts highlight the author's balanced approach to documenting both the public achievements and the private complexities of his subject's life.