Like the author, the book's protagonist Donald Cameron is a Scot invalided away from the Western Front. He spends his time carrying out research for a book on the English by consorting with journalists and minor poets, attending a country house weekend, serving as private secretary to a Member of Parliament, attending the League of Nations, and playing village cricket.
The village cricket match is the most celebrated episode in the novel, and the reason for its enduring appeal to readers. A key character is Mr Hodge; a caricature of Sir John Squire (poet and editor of the London Mercury) while the cricket team described in the book?s most famous chapter is a representation of Sir John?s team ? the Invalids - which is still going strong. The book ends in the ancient city of Winchester.