[1] The book juxtaposes the motives of missionary David Livingstone, King Leopold II, and other leading figures in the southern African land-grab of the late 19th and early 20th century.

The author explores how the different powerful figures dealt with the conflict and its ultimate consequences on the region.

More damagingly, the work perpetuates and popularizes an outdated view of both African and imperial history."

According to Hopkins, Pakenham's work is largely based on primary source documents written by the "blunderers and plunderers" themselves without critical analysis of the accuracy, biases, or self-serving motives of his sources.

Hopkins also criticised Pakenham's use of artistic license to make inferences and embellish events without supporting evidence.