This work investigates the life and literary output of Anthony Trollope to determine his place within the canon of Victorian literature. Michael Sadleir, a noted bibliographer and novelist, utilizes his deep familiarity with the Victorian era to construct a comprehensive portrait of Trollope. He argues that Trollope’s reputation suffered from a misunderstanding of his creative process and seeks to re-establish the author's significance through a detailed examination of his personal history and professional career.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text that helped revive interest in Trollope during the early 20th century. Readers often note the scholarly depth of the prose, which reflects the author's extensive research into Victorian literary culture.