In his earlier books William Douglas Home concentrated on his own life and experiences, but here there is a change of emphasis as he provides a series of lighthearted portraits of his friends and relatives. He recalls the charms and idiosyncracies of his parents, his reflections on his myriad relations - some of whom, including his brother Lord Home, are well-known figures, whilst others, although outside the public domain, are equally at the mercy of his observations. He then moves to the theatrical world and portrays some of the many people he has met and befriended during the course of his career as a playwright. Actors such as Robert Morley, Ralph Richardson, Wilfred Hyde-White and Celia Johnson, all of whom have starred in his plays, feature prominently.