A veteran literary man offers a series of memoiristic sketches and anecdotes about colleagues, patrons, and public figures, mixing personal recollection with commentary on shifting political and moral allegiances. Chapters recount encounters with writers, clergymen, and publishers, describe professional struggles and eventual preferment, and include witty anecdotes that illuminate character and social manners. Interspersed reflections consider the workings of the book trade, translation and editorial labour, and how chance and alliances shaped literary careers.