After a brief introduction to the geography of Maharashtra, and a description of the people of that land, the book traces the rise of Shahji Bhonsle, Shivaji's father in the service of the Adil Shah of Bijapur, Shivaji's boyhood, his early victories and his wars with the Mughals and the Adil Shah are recounted in detail. A major portion of the book is devoted to Shivaji's relations with the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb and his constant struggles to capture Maratha territory. Shivaji's coronation, his subsequent forays into southern India, his efforts to build a strong navy, his relations with foreign powers, all are discussed in the book. The author also makes a critical assessment of Shivaji's contributions and achievements, and his place in history. Using a wide range of sources and historical documents in a variety of languages, the author draws a definitive portrait of the great Maratha ruler and nation.

    He published his account in 1929 when it attracted immediate attention and went through three printings. His epilogue on militarism presents a moving retrospect, inquiring into why and how his generation fought and concluding "We must face the fact that death is inevitable and hate lamentably common." Reprint edition: 2006: 224 pages, 8 illustrations, 2 maps. Softcover. (Scholar's Bookshelf)"Charles Edmonds" was pseudonym of Charles Carrington.