Kent's study embraces a wide range of visual and cultural forms, including architecture and the visual arts, as well as statistical and other documentary evidence. Against a background of national and regional diversity, Kent explores a number of relevant issues, from pietism to prostitution, the role of women, attitudes towards children and authority, slavery, criminality, political expression and symbolism, social symbiosis with nature, the influence of climate on architecture, and architectural patronage as an expression of social status. All of these issues are set against the panoramic sweep of the major political and social events of the period, with national and regional diversities stressed.