This is a popular and somewhat superficial account of the international diamond industry, written by an American journalist. The book is based on extensive reading and investigations, including visits to several mines in Southern Africa, but contains a number of inaccuracies and is not as reliable and informative as the similar account by T. Green (The world of diamonds, London 1981). The major part of the book deals with the role of De Beers and the Central Selling Organization, and chapter 4 "Holding back the ocean" - is devoted to the operations in Namibia. The dustjacket is in good condition. The book is suffering from foxing mainly to page edges. Previous owner has inscribed their name at the beginning of the book.