This volume investigates the complex historical trajectory of New Guinea, focusing on the intersection of indigenous societal structures and the impact of colonial administration. The editor, Brian Jinks, compiles a diverse array of primary and secondary source materials to provide a comprehensive overview of the region's political, social, and economic development. The text serves as a foundational academic resource for understanding the transition of New Guinea from traditional tribal systems to a modern nation-state.

This collection functions as a dense, scholarly resource intended for students and researchers of Pacific history. The inclusion of varied perspectives provides a rigorous, multi-faceted examination of the colonial and post-colonial administrative landscape.