'The author of this original novel presents an entirely fresh point of view, which takes the reader well off the beaten track. While the story, considered merely as a tale of travel, is attractive, those who look for something a little deeper than ordinary fiction will certainly meet with what they desire. The author has given his imagination free reign, and his picture of Dawn City - the city of the future - has a special fascination' (jacket cover)

The narrative largely explores the questioning and reasoning of its protagonist, Rupert Elsemore, as he discovers through Henry Thorough the utopian communities of Hopetown (a model town for workers) and Dawn City. Situated somewhere in the heart of Australia, Dawn City is a garden-like subtopian futuristic community which believes in eugenics, vegetarianism, standardised dress, regular (three-monthly) health checks for all citizens and which has rejected religion and money. The inhabitants are also in touch with Mars.