The book is a semi-autobiographical novel about a man, Henry Holyoak Lightcap, who refuses to submit to modern commercial society.

Unlike Abbey's most famous fiction work, The Monkey Wrench Gang, which concerns the use of sabotage to protest environmentally damaging activities in the American Southwest, The Fool's Progress focuses on the journey of Henry across America.

The chapters alternate between his current journey and significant historical vignettes that shed light on his eccentric beginnings.

In a review for The New York Times, Howard Coale said it was "a particularly self-involved novel" and while praising the sentimental moments of the book, he notes "Unfortunately they are drowned out to almost a murmur by the harpings of a slightly malevolent and self-indulgent voice.

"[1] Genaro Gonzalez, writing for the Los Angeles Times, gave it "an eager recommendation"[3] Publishers Weekly gave it a positive review calling it "an epic exploration of Abbey's passionate loves and hatreds.