This book investigates the multifaceted impact and administration of British rule in Burma over a 118-year period, from the initial conquest in 1824 to the eve of World War II in 1942. Godfrey Eric Harvey, a historian with extensive research experience in the region, draws upon primary source materials and existing scholarship to present a comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, and social transformations that occurred under British colonial governance. The work aims to provide a detailed account of the policies enacted, the resistance encountered, and the long-term consequences for Burmese society.

This seminal work by G. E. Harvey is widely regarded as a foundational text for understanding the British colonial period in Burma. Scholars often cite Harvey's meticulous research and balanced perspective in analyzing the complex interactions between the colonizers and the colonized. The book is valued for its detailed exposition of administrative structures and economic policies, providing essential context for subsequent historical and political analyses of Myanmar. Its comprehensive scope makes it a key reference for students and researchers of Southeast Asian history.