This work investigates the fundamental structures of English grammar through a series of letters designed to provide a practical, accessible guide for the common person. Cobbett, a prominent political agitator and writer, utilizes his background in self-education to present a framework that rejects the overly academic and elitist approaches of his contemporaries. He argues that a clear understanding of grammar is a necessary tool for political engagement and personal empowerment, framing the study of language as a democratic pursuit.

Scholars and linguists often cite this text as a significant historical example of prescriptive grammar written for a non-academic audience. Readers frequently note the direct, polemical style of the prose, which reflects the author's broader political convictions.