This seminal work now available in a 15th anniversary edition with a new preface is a thorough introduction to the historical and theoretical origins of postcolonial theory. * Provides a clearly written and wide-ranging account of postcolonialism, empire, imperialism, and colonialism, written by one of the leading scholars on the topic * Details the history of anti-colonial movements and their leaders around the world, from Europe and Latin America to Africa and Asia * Analyzes the ways in which freedom struggles contributed to postcolonial discourse by producing fundamental ideas about the relationship between non-western and western societies and cultures * Offers an engaging yet accessible style that will appeal to scholars as well as introductory students