One of Seuss's few books written for adults, its original 1939 publication by Random House was a failure and was eventually remaindered.

The story opens with the sisters' father, Lord Godiva, deciding to leave for the Battle of Hastings (1066) on horseback.

As a tribute to their father's fate, the Godiva sisters agree to never marry—despite the fact that each is courting one of seven brothers named Peeping—until they can warn their countrymen of the dangers of horses.

[4][5] The remaining copies were remaindered in the chain of Schulte's Cigar Stores for twenty-five cents, though original editions now have been reported as selling at prices as high as $300.

[1][8] The failure of The Seven Lady Godivas, Seuss's fourth book, may well have led to his subsequent immersion into the world of children's literature.