This volume of "British Settlers in Natal" is part of a massive research project to identify who came to Natal from Britain before 1858, and to collect biographical material on them and their children. Although Spencer's work focuses on British emigrants who came to settle in Natal, its interest and usefulness are not confined to this region. Some of the new Natalians, and many of the next generation, moved all over South Africa, and indeed all over the world.