This book was originally published in 1966. This detailed study of the history of South West AFrica up to the date of Maharero's death in 1890 was originally published in German and appeared in an English version for the first time in 1938 when it was recognised as the first standard work on the subject. The author's extensive ethnological and linguistic studies made him especially well equipped to give a detailed account of the country and its people, and of the customs and languages of the different tribes.

A considerable part of the book deals with the gradual colonization of the country by European pioneers whose various adventures are recorded in a mass of 'old notes, letters, reports and diaries'; and the historical side is supplemented by an ethological account of the native tribes. This is a scholarly work which, with its regard for folklore and tribal tradition as well as for the facts of history, must recommend itself to all lovers of South West Africa.