The book was in part a response to, in part a transcript of, Whistler's famous libel suit against critic John Ruskin. Ruskin, in a review of the inaugural showing at the Grosvenor Gallery, had referred to Whistler's painting Nocturne in Black and Gold – The Falling Rocket as flinging a pot of paint in the public's face. The book contains Whistler's letters to newspapers chronicling his many petty grievances against various acquaintances and friends.