The author, Tom Utley, expresses his preference for traditional tastes in art and literature, favoring British artists like Gainsborough and Millais over modernists like Mondrian and Kandinsky. He also enjoys the works of classic authors such as Jane Austen and PG Wodehouse. In contrast to his sons' generation, who find his views on issues like plural pronouns and historical narratives "dull" and "old-fashioned", Utley believes that Britain has a rich history worth celebrating and that its suburbs are ideal places to live. He also pokes fun at himself for being overly fond of crossword puzzles and afternoon TV, as well as using outdated phrases in his writing.