This is the first book to offer a literary analysis of Peacock's novels, including the two ironic medieval romances Maid Marian and The Misfortunes of Elphin. Other works included are Headlong Hall, Melincourt, Nightmare Abbey, Crotchet Castle, The Romances and Gryll Grange.

This text includes an outline chronology of Thomas Love Peacock's life; descriptions of the characters in his novels, plays, and fragments; essays on Peacock on clerics, libraries and his attractive ladies and Peacock and Charles Lamb; recommended introductions to Peacock and a list of his works including recent editions; an extensive list of book and magazine articles about him; and an appendix dealing with those contemporaries upon whom Peacock may have based some of his characters, and giving the views of the principal writers on Peacock.