The book offers a detailed political and topographical account of the reign of William II and the accession of his successor, tracing court politics, rebellions, and ecclesiastical conflicts, and analyzing constitutional developments under figures such as Bishop William of Saint-Calais, Anselm, and Randolf Flambard. It combines narrative of military campaigns, local investigations, and close readings of chronicles with a chronological summary and maps. The author emphasizes the growth of royal authority, feudal change, and Anglo-French rivalry while discussing specific episodes like coronation, conspiracies, and negotiations with leading nobles. Extensive local research and manuscript evidence are used to illuminate events and their constitutional significance.