This work investigates the lesser-known mutiny involving William Bligh, specifically the 1808 Rum Rebellion in New South Wales, to determine the extent of his culpability in the conflict. Arthur Hawkey utilizes primary source documents, including official naval records and contemporary correspondence, to construct a detailed account of Bligh's tenure as Governor of New South Wales. The book argues that Bligh's rigid adherence to naval discipline and his inability to navigate the complex political landscape of the colony directly precipitated the uprising against his authority.

The subject matter points to a specialized historical account that provides a focused examination of Bligh's administrative career beyond his most famous naval failure. The text serves as a scholarly resource for those interested in the political tensions of early colonial Australia and the character of its naval governors.