Promise to Keep by Richard Hoggart looks back over his years and the human qualities he has required that have come to mean most to him and what he looks for and appreciates in others. The Book is in the style of Montaigne.

In the book Professor Hoggart analyses different aspects of human life including - courage, memory, the true purpose of education, love and charity and the approach of the Grim Reaper.

Throughout the book Hogget also discusses public ideas and events that over the years have interested him and how they have connected with his personal life, including his morals, beliefs and family. Hogget describes all of these movements and occurrences in his life as his "time telescope"

The true thing to remember when reading this book is that its not a theoretical record its a argument that is illustrated by life and how various elements, such as the media influence our lives. Hogget gives his true thoughts and advice on life from the perspective of a person (him) who have lived his.