This book investigates the critical decade of British colonial policy in Africa between 1938 and 1948, a period marked by the profound shifts brought about by World War II. R. D. Pearce examines the evolving administrative strategies, economic considerations, and emerging nationalist sentiments that shaped the trajectory of British rule during this pivotal era. The work analyzes the impact of the war on colonial governance and the seeds of decolonization that began to sprout in the immediate post-war years.

This work is recognized as a detailed academic study focusing on a specific, crucial decade in British colonial history in Africa. The author's focus on the period 1938-1948 suggests an in-depth analysis of policy evolution under the pressures of global conflict and changing local dynamics. The book likely appeals to historians and students of African and imperial history seeking a nuanced understanding of the administrative and political landscape leading up to significant decolonization movements.