In an age when it is fashionable to apologise for Empire, Niall Ferguson takes an open view. He explores the benefits of empire, to the British and to the colonies, as well as the negatives. Calling on a great deal of evidence to support his ideas, Ferguson also manages to make this an immensely readable book. Lacking great depth, it is an overview, it still picks out the overarching principles, people, events, successes and failures in a way that will make you want to find out more. Perfect for teachers wanting to update their subject knowledge, and accessible to sixth formers too, this is an essential introduction to the study of empire.