This book investigates the historical economic and political relationship between Britain and its tropical colonies to determine how colonial rule shaped contemporary development trajectories. Authors David Meredith and Michael A. Havinden utilize extensive historical data and policy analysis to argue that understanding the structural legacies of the British Empire is essential for addressing modern economic challenges in these regions. The text provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the long-term impacts of colonial trade policies and administrative decisions on post-colonial development outcomes.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of imperial history and modern development economics. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous and thorough examination of the subject matter.