Published by Pentland Press in 1996, the book received mixed reviews, with questions over its neutrality and writing style, but plaudits for its insights into British culture and education.

The book argues that, despite Chenevix-Trench's shortcomings being "too readily obvious", "overshadowing the flaws stands his passionate concern for the individual, a vital quality for any leader to possess".

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Ludovic Kennedy said that the book describes Chenevix-Trench's career with considerable "affection", while not shying away from revealing "many uncomfortable home truths".

Kennedy also titles his review with the words of Chenevix-Trench, who joked of his own tenure at Eton—"endearingly", according to Kennedy—"In some ways I'm too small a man in too big a job.

"[8] Another positive voice was Lorn Macintyre, writing in the Herald, who said that the book gives "an honest insight into the public school system with all its imperfections".

He further comments that although Peel reveals some things that are "disturbing", he also shows Chenevix-Trench's "dedication to high academic standards, to the all-round development of a young person despite his use of the rod".