In this, the fourth volume of Allan Quatermain's adventures in the turbulent world of nineteenth century Africa, our hero once again finds it impossible to lead the simple outdoor life of a hunter and trader that he always craves. Now it is the late 1870s and the imperial world powers are overtaking the remaining primitive corners of the globe. The British Empire now borders on Zululand and nothing will satisfy the British but the dissolution of the Zulu Impis themselves-in fact the destruction of the Zulu way of life. In 'Finished' Allan finds himself caught up in these momentous times. In 1879 the Zulu War breaks out and Allan finds himself at Isandlwhana within the doomed ranks of red soldiery. In the 'Ivory Child', Quatermain's adventures become more personal. A beautiful young woman has been abducted into Africa's dark heart to become an unholy priestess. She must be rescued but there are many perils and once again a war erupts between rival native factions which threatens to destroy Allan and his friends.