The book relates the life story of Daniel Schreyvogel born in Lindau, Germany in 1777. He studied in Halle as a Lutheran missionary and went to India in 1803 to join the Danish Mission at Tranquebar. Through his letter writing fascinating observations are made of India in the early 1800s about the British, the Danes, the Missionaries and Christian Societies such as SPCK and SPG and the early bishops of India. Schreyvogel was instrumental in challenging the caste system of India and the book goes into some depth on this issue. The book touches on historical aspects of his times including Nelson, Napoleon, Bishop Heber and the Maharaja of Tanjore. The book also provides background history to Daniel Henry Schreyvogel reputed to be the first German to settle in South Australia.