Oswald Hendryks Cornelius initiates an audacious commercial scheme in 1919 to amass wealth by exploiting the potent aphrodisiac properties of the rare Sundance blister beetle. Oswald, a self-proclaimed connoisseur and hedonist, recruits the beautiful and amoral Yasmin Howcomely to assist in his enterprise. Together, they target the most famous men in Europe, including intellectuals and royalty, to test the efficacy of their substance. The narrative follows a picaresque structure, documenting Oswald's exploits as he navigates high society with calculated manipulation. The story operates within a framework of satirical memoir, emphasizing the protagonist's lack of moral inhibition.

Discussion often centers on the sharp, irreverent wit that characterizes the author's approach to adult fiction. Readers frequently highlight the absurdity of the premise and the unapologetic nature of the protagonist's behavior throughout the narrative. Critics often note the pacing is brisk, reflecting the chaotic and opportunistic lifestyle of Oswald Hendryks Cornelius. The work is frequently compared to the author's short stories for its dark humor and cynical outlook on human desire. Readers generally agree that the book serves as a stylistic departure from the author's more widely known children's literature.