The book begins with Australia's first punitive expedition in 1790 and ends on the eve of World War II with Harry Bennett expressing anger about the condition of the Aboriginies and the attitudes of white Australia.

I.The concerns of gentlemen-- II. Missionaries and protectors -- III. A reasonable share in the soil : Robinson and Threlkeld in New South Wales, 1824-48-- IV. Great displeasure : Lyon and Giustiniani in Western Australia, 1829-38 -- V. Agitation against assassination : Queensland, 1860-80-- VI. The crusade of the Queenslander, 1880-90-- VII. John Gribble goes west, 1885-87-- VIII. Two unlikely agitators : Angelo and Carley, 1880-90-- IX. Modern massacre : Forrest River and Coniston, 1926-28-- X. The Caledon Bay affair, 1832-34-- XI. Agitation and reform, 1920-40-- XII. Conclusion. A different history of Australia through the eyes of largely forgotten people.

Includes index. Includes bibliographic references.