This work investigates the ecological and economic consequences of introducing non-native flora and fauna into the Australian environment. Eric Charles Rolls, a respected historian and writer, utilizes extensive archival research and historical records to document how species like the rabbit, fox, and various weeds fundamentally altered the continent's landscape. The book argues that human intervention and the subsequent failure to manage these introductions created a persistent environmental crisis that continues to shape Australian land management policies.

The subject matter points to a comprehensive, well-researched historical account that serves as a foundational text for understanding Australian environmental history. Its detailed documentation and analytical approach make it a significant resource for those studying the intersection of human activity and ecological change.