It is not a novel in the strict sense of the word, but in simple language, easily understood, it teaches the labouring people the inconsistent attitude of France, and the strength and safety of the English constitution. It is not a deep book, but has good work-a-day common-sense, such as keeps the world jogging on, ready to endure the ills it has rather than fly to others it knows not of.
The book is in the form of a dialogue between Jack Anvil, the blacksmith, and Tom Hood, the mason.
"Tom. But have you read the Rights of Man?
"Jack. No, not I: I had rather by half read the Whole Duty of Man. I have but little time for reading, and such as I should therefore only read a bit of the best."
"Tom. And what dost thou take a democrat to be?
"Jack. One who likes to be governed by a thousand tyrants, and yet can't bear a king."
"Tom. What is it to be an enlightened people?
"Jack. To put out the light of the Gospel, confound right and wrong, and grope about in pitch darkness."