Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450, edited by Thomas Benjamin. 3 vols. 1,315p. Farmington Hills: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. 0-02-865843-4; 2006-10042. $ 395.

Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450 One could argue that the history of European colonialism has been in many ways the history of the world for most of the past five centuries. The age of exploration and European expansion into the Americas was among the most momentous events in human history. For Native Americans, their first encounters with Europeans resulted in epidemics more devastating than the Black Plague. Yet cultural exchanges and the easterly flow of wealth would change everything from the power structures of Europe to the cuisines of Asia. The mass migrations of Old World populations, both forced and voluntary, would transform three continents. The American Revolution began a period of contraction for European empires as a wave of independence movements swept the Americas. In the wake of the Napoleonic wars, Europe widened its imperialist interests, and the great race was on to claim much of Africa, Asia and the Pacific. World wars and the Great Depression finally weakened Europe to the point that the legitimacy of its empires was brought into question. For the past 60 years, western-style imperial systems have been shrinking in the face of nationalist separatist movements.

Numerous encyclopedias have covered aspects of the colonial experience as part European, regional or world history. What sets this scholarly effort apart is its focus on the political, economic and social structures that permitted Europeans to dominate much of the world for the better part of five centuries. These structures include not just theories and ideologies of mercantilism or indirect rule, but also the corporations, missionary groups, education systems, law codes and treaties. Trade, tribute, slavery, plantation crops, mines, mercenaries, industries, railroads and racism, all served as tools for controlling different nations and peoples. The 410 articles of this encyclopedia investigate the roles these factors and other concepts played as part of western colonialism. Numerous entries on specific colonies provide worldwide insights into the colonial experience. An introductory overview and surveys of various empires from the Ottoman Turks to the United States orient the reader to the wider historical processes. Biographies describe the contributions of colonial officials as well as proponents of self-determination and independence. Finally, many essays address the continuing consequences of a colonial past for several countries today. More than 350 illustrations, 51maps, 29 excerpts of primary sources, and a glossary of 148 terms serve to place these people and events in context. Cross references, select bibliographies, and a lengthy index provide other avenues for research. This well-balanced survey provides students and lay readers with an excellent introduction to a dominant force in modern history. This set is highly recommended for high school, public and academic libraries.

— John Lawrence