Debates about the origins and effects of European rule in the non-European world have animated the field of economic history since the 1850s. This pioneering text provides a concise and accessible resource that introduces key readings, builds connections between ideas and helps students to develop informed views of colonialism as a force in shaping the modern world. With special reference to European colonialism of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in both Asia and Africa, this book: • critically reviews the literature on colonialism and economic growth; • covers a range of different methods of analysis; • offers a comparative approach, as opposed to a collection of regional histories, deftly weaving together different themes. With debates around globalization, migration, global finance and environmental change intensifying, this authoritative account of the relationship between colonialism and economic development makes an invaluable contribution to several distinct literatures in economic history.With its comparative approach and inclusive coverage of different methods of critical analysis, this pioneering text provides students and scholars with an essential first introduction to the economic history of colonialism. This is an authoritative account of the relationship between colonialism and economic development at an important point in time, making an invaluable contribution to several distinct literatures in economic history. Written by leading researchers in the field, it helps readers to develop informed views of colonialism as a force in shaping the modern world.