In the first part of the book Malcolm Page surveys some of the major criticism of the novel, "Howards End" by E.M. Forster. Page looks at approaches such as feminism and Marxism, considers questions of tone, whether or not the conclusion is satisfying, and discusses negative comments made about several major characters. His own interpretation is given in the second half, where he looks at such strengths as personal relations, Beethoven, old houses and the beauty of nature, and finally at such key ideas as "only connect". Malcolm Page is also the author of "John Arden" and "Richard II".