The work is divided into three main parts:

• Fictional Works in Prehistoric Settings
• Documentaries
• Fictional Works in Historical, Modern and Extraterrestrial Settings

• Misleading Titles, Unknown Contents, Aborted and Proposed Projects
• Post-Apocalypse Primitives in Film and Television
• Outstanding Performances as Prehistoric Characters
• The Creationist Challenge: Productions That Question the Existence of Prehistoric Humans

Each entry (particularly for fictional works) includes full filmographic data, including year of release, running time, production personnel, cast information, and format. Klossner includes a wide chronological range of films, surveying no less completely silent films that later ones, though some information on the public availability/survival of the less important early films might have been included. A plot description of each film provides both the story line and a commentary on how anthropologically accurate the film's portrayal of early man is. For major films, a "commentary" section expands on the accuracy of the film, the making and intent of the film, the techniques used, anecdotes regarding the director and/or stars, and a listing of other reference works which mention the film. While Klossner excludes overtly pornographic films, he does treat the many cave man sexploitation films with the same methodical approach: while clearly making the distinction between them and 'quality' genre films, he provides an informed analysis which doesn't simply discount them as worthless drivel, but places them within the context of their sub-genre.

Similar information to that for fictional films is provided for television productions, including lists of relevant episodes. For documentaries, the filmographic details are given, a description of the scope of the work, as well as an assessment of its scientific accuracy. Klossner also devotes a small appendix to Creationist films which deny the existence of prehistoric man.

I was personally fascinated with the extent of silent films dedicated to the genre and the fact that no less than D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton produced important or at least entertaining genre films. Klossner has of course his personal favourites, like the opening scene of Kubrick's 2001. A Space Odyssey, and is somewhat more critical of Quest For Fire, perhaps given it having been publicized, at its release, as the most scientifically accurate non-documentary genre film.

Certainly for those interested in prehistory and the history of the particular film genre, Prehistoric Humans in Film and Television is both a useful, well documented, organized and annotated reference tool, as well as a treasure trove of films to discover.