This guide investigates the historical and architectural significance of the University of Oxford and the city itself. A. R. Woolley, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the institution, provides a structured examination of the colleges, libraries, and museums that define the city. The text serves as a comprehensive reference for visitors and scholars seeking to understand the development of the university over several centuries.

Experts and long-term residents often cite this work as a reliable, classic reference for the architectural history of Oxford. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which prioritizes historical accuracy over modern travel trends.