Originally published in 1929, this book was written to provide a historical summary of the way in which Britain's 'tropical African Empire' came into existence. Intended for the use of people in the Colonial Service, the text focuses mainly on discussing British interests in West and East Africa, although there are shorter sections on the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan and African history more generally. A bibliography, statistical summary and maps of various regions are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on African history and British colonial history.