Empires in the Sun

The Struggle for the Mastery of Africa

By: Lawrence James

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Paperback | 17 November 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
416 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
2.7 x 12.3 x 19.7

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How in a hundred years Europeans coerced Africa into their various empires - and how Africa decolonised itself.

In this compelling history of the men and ideas that radically changed the course of world history, Lawrence James investigates how, within a hundred years, Europeans persuaded and coerced Africa into becoming a subordinate part of the modern world. The continent was a magnet for the high-minded, the philanthropic, the unscrupulous and the insane. Visionary pro-consuls rub shoulders with missionaries, explorers, soldiers, adventurers, engineers, big-game hunters, entrepreneurs and physicians.

Eminent historian Lawrence James narrates how between 1830 and 1945, Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Italy exported their languages, laws, culture, religions, scientific and technical knowledge and economic systems to Africa. The colonial powers imposed administrations designed to bring stability and peace to a continent that seemed to lack both. The justification for emancipation from slavery (and occupation) was the common assumption that the late nineteenth-century Europe was the summit of civilization. This magnificent history also pauses to ask: what did not happen and why?

About the Author

Lawrence James was born in Bath and was educated at the University of York and Merton College, Oxford. After a distinguished teaching career he has emerged as one of the outstanding narrative historians of his generation.

Industry Reviews

'The Second World War points back towards a colonial past in Africa, to bygone scrambles for imperial power. It also glances forward to decolonisation. This global conflict is at the centre of Lawrence James's excellent survey of African history from 1830 to 1990 . . . Empires in the Sun is a brisk, well-written and jaunty account of European empire-building in Africa . . . Intrigue and devious political calculations propel the fast-moving narrative . . . The book is a timely reminder of the complexity of international politics, and the nuanced balance of forces that have shaped our modern world' -- Kwasi Kwarteng * THE TIMES *
'A brisk, colourful account of the past 200 years of African history . . . A good informative read' * EVENING STANDARD *
He writes as well as ever and is a sure-footed guide. -- Edward Paice * THE SPECTATOR *
[A] compelling, even-handed and masterful narrative -- Saul David * LITERARY REVIEW *

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