A collection of interconnected stories examines the lives and moral compromises of the American upper class during the twentieth century. Through a series of linked narratives, Auchincloss observes the social rituals, professional ambitions, and private failures of the elite. The characters operate within the rigid constraints of New York high society, where reputation and inheritance dictate the boundaries of personal agency. The narrative framework utilizes a detached, observational tone to dissect the internal contradictions of individuals who prioritize social standing over authentic connection.

Readers and critics frequently note the author's clinical ability to map the social geography of the American elite. Discussion often centers on the subtle moral failings of the protagonists and the author's refusal to offer easy judgment. Many highlight the effectiveness of the interconnected structure in building a comprehensive atmosphere of privilege and isolation. The pacing is described as deliberate, favoring character study over dramatic plot progression. This work is often cited by those interested in the social history of the twentieth-century upper class.