Harrington reads a student handbook on philosophy (thus the title) and tries to make decisions based upon the thinking of several philosophers: Kant, Plato, Aristotle and others.

Harrington's move from Chicago to Texas, where he buys and operates an avocado farm, rings true for a sixty-year-old man in his situation.

Then the plot turns somewhat surreal when he comes into possession of an elephant that paints pictures. The elephant also becomes the focal point in his daughter's wedding. The relationship with the elephant seems to bring out the best in Harrington.

An excellent subplot is Harrington's love for the daughter's mother-in-law and his struggle over and acceptance of an affair that his wife had just prior to her death.

Following the plot with snatches of philosophical tenets is an added pleasure to an already delightful novel. The reader leaves the novel with a great deal of empathy and respect for Harrington.