Originally published in 1974, this book is a readable account of Botswana from the time of the first European visitors to the modern era of emergence as an independent African state. The book describes the condition of the people as it was recorded by the early travellers, the coming of the Christian missionaries and the influence of such men as Robert Moffat, John Mackenzie and David Livingstone. It discusses the effects of Boer pressure on the tribal land, British intervention and the establishment of a British protectorate, finally describing the birth of the Republic, its nature and constitution. The book assesses Botswana's relations with other African states, particularly South Africa.