At the start of the book, Pease sets the stage by discussing the intellectual environment of the early 1880s, highlighting various social and political issues of the time. He reflects on the founding of the Fabian Society and the influences behind its formation, including thinkers like Auguste Comte and John Stuart Mill. Furthermore, Pease introduces key figures involved in the Society, such as Thomas Davidson, who played a pivotal role in its inception. Through analyzing early discussions and meetings, the beginning of the text establishes a foundational understanding of the motivations and aspirations that drove the early Fabians in their quest for social reform. (This is an automatically generated summary.)