This work investigates the structural and performative elements of the Xhosa ntsomi, a traditional form of oral storytelling. Harold Scheub, a scholar of African oral traditions, utilizes extensive field research and transcriptions to analyze how these narratives function within Xhosa society. The book argues that the ntsomi is not merely a static myth but a dynamic, evolving performance that relies on the interaction between the storyteller and the audience to convey cultural values and social commentary.

Scholars and anthropologists frequently cite this text as a foundational study for understanding the mechanics of Southern African oral traditions. Readers often note the academic rigor and the depth of the transcriptions provided by the author.