A young American trades places with a remote ancestor in early 19th-century England, and encounters many complications in his new surroundings.

Young Ralph Pendrel of New York City has written a fine essay on the reading of history.

He also meets Molly's mother and unpleasant brother, and Nan's suitor, Sir Cantopher Bland.

The Sense of the Past was the inspiration for John L. Balderston's 1926 play Berkeley Square, frequently performed in London and elsewhere.

The latter version was released on DVD in July 2008 as part of the Tyrone Power — Matinee Idol collection.