This work investigates the historical origins and evolution of the British ritual year to determine the veracity of common cultural myths surrounding seasonal festivals. Ronald Hutton, a professor of history, utilizes extensive archival research and primary source analysis to deconstruct the development of calendar customs. He argues that many widely held beliefs regarding the ancient or pagan roots of modern British festivals are historically inaccurate or modern inventions. The book provides a rigorous framework for understanding how ritual practices have shifted, disappeared, or been reinvented over centuries.

Historians and folklorists frequently cite this text as a standard reference for its meticulous debunking of common misconceptions regarding British folk traditions. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which balances scholarly rigor with a clear, chronological structure.