This volume investigates the complex interplay between the evolution of French taste and the systemic manifestations of corruption within the nation's social and political structures. Theodore Zeldin, a distinguished historian of France, utilizes a vast array of primary source materials, including personal diaries, administrative records, and cultural artifacts, to construct his argument. He posits that the French experience is defined not by monolithic national identity, but by the contradictory and often competing passions of its diverse citizenry. The text challenges traditional top-down historical narratives by focusing on the granular, lived experiences of individuals navigating shifting moral and aesthetic landscapes.

Historians frequently cite Zeldin's work as a foundational text for understanding the social complexities of modern France. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which rewards careful study with deep insights into the French national character.