The book investigates the formation and evolution of colonial identities across the Atlantic world between 1500 and 1800. It examines how diverse populations, including Europeans, indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans, interacted and shaped their sense of self within the complex colonial systems. Pagden analyzes the cultural, political, and social forces that contributed to the creation of distinct, yet interconnected, colonial identities.

Anthony Pagden's "Colonial Identity in the Atlantic World 1500-1800" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of early modern history and the formation of identities in colonial contexts. Scholars have noted its comprehensive scope and its nuanced exploration of the interactions between diverse populations. The book is often cited for its detailed analysis of the cultural and political forces that shaped colonial self-perceptions. Its arguments provide a foundational understanding for subsequent research on colonialism and identity.