Focusing on a private collection formed over the last thirty years,[1] the book also "provides a general introduction to the silver trade and to dining customs of the period.

After graduating from Christ Church, Oxford and a year at the Victoria and Albert Museum, he joined Christie's as a silver specialist.

[3] After returning to London, he was Curator of the Gilbert Collection at Somerset House, Prime Warden of the Goldsmith's Company, and a dealer and consultant.

Writing in The Art Newspaper, Tessa Murdoch praised the book's "accessible text, exemplary silver photography, elegant design and careful editing".

[5] Her remarks were reinforced by Kirstin Kennedy in her review in The Burlington Magazine: "Schroder’s clear, thoughtful account .