This collection investigates the formative influence of the British public school system on the intellectual and social development of its students. Edited by Graham Greene, the volume gathers contributions from various writers who reflect on their own educational experiences. The essays analyze the rigid structures, pedagogical methods, and social hierarchies that defined early 20th-century schooling in England.

Critics and readers often view this collection as a significant historical document that captures the specific cultural atmosphere of the British public school system. Experts highlight the text for its candid, often critical, examination of the institutions that shaped a generation of influential writers.