Topical - sets present (and controversial) development problem in its historical perspective
No other book covers the topic in this much detail
Loads of helpful explanatory tables, which makes it really useful reference material
`As a clear and accessible synthesis of wide-ranging material, this book will be a useful introductory text for undergraduates, and a valuable point of reference for specialist in the field.' - Jrnl of Imperial & Commonwealth History
`The book provides an excellent summary of recent research as well as supplying insights from new archival material.' - Economic History Review
`The statistics are fascinating, the comparisons illuminating, and the whole work has a firm chronological framework which carries the story across the great economic watersheds of the modern colonial century.' - History Today