F.R. Leavis was undeniably one of the great thinkers of the twentieth century. His work on literature exerted a profound and lasting influence on the teaching of English throughout the world. The story of his life, as recounted by Ian MacKillop, who was one of Leavis's students, is therefore a chronicle of the development of the study of modern literature. MacKillop charts the influences on Leavis's life and work, from I.A. Richards to T.S. Eliot and William Empson.

He chronicles Leavis's famous public disagreement with C.P. Snow in the Two Cultures Debate; discusses the genesis and publication of Leavis's books; and looks at the development of both the influential magazine Scrutiny and the School of English Studies at Downing College. MacKillop paints an unforgettable picture of English village life as he chronicles this world of high tea, cloistered walks and bitter rivalries in great detail.