An examination of the post-war independence processes in more than forty colonies in Africa. "...Laid out in clearly signposted chapters, dense with information yet enlivened with shrewd comment and the telling phrase, this is an admirable introduction to a big subject. It fulfils the object of the series by 'drawing on the latest fruits of scholarship' and itself makes a contribution to scholarship; in doing so this book deserves a readership beyond the student market for which it is primarily intended.'" A. J Stockwell, African Affairs "undoubtedly the best attempt yet to get to grips with this complex topic" Richard Rathbone, English Historical Review