The purpose of this study is to present and examine significant British colonial theories on the advantages and disadvantages resulting to the mother country from the establishment and maintenance of overseas colonies. For what reasons was the building and preservation of Empire thought profitable or unprofitable to the British nation? Professor Knorr has performed a major service in providing a selection of representative statements in the course of a discussion which proceeds by chronological periods and also by important topics from contemporary events.

The original printing of this work, published in 1944, was received with enthusiastic reviews and went out of print in a few years. An equally warm welcome can be predicted now.

Klaus Knorr (1911-1990) was a professor emeritus of public affairs at Princeton University and the director of its Center of International Studies from 1960 to 1968.

Klaus Knorr's profile page

Harold A. Innis (1894–1952) was an economic historian at the University of Toronto. He wrote widely on economics, media, and communication theory. His notable works include The Bias of Communication, The Fur Trade in Canada, and The Code Fisheries, all published by University of Toronto Press.

Harold Innis' profile page

"This volume is the most comprehensive work that has appeared on the subject of opinion, argument, and theory concerning the establishment and maintenance of British colonies."

American Historical Review

"The volume reflects credit on all concerned as a valuable addition to the literature on mercantilism and the readjustments of the Second British Empire after the loss of the American colonies."

Queen's Quarterly

"The book ... is a model of erudition, scholarly interpretation and balanced judgment."

Political Science Quarterly

"This study should have significance not only to students of history and economics but also to those interested in current discussions of colonial problems, especially in relation to international peace and the economic causes of war. As a means of acquiring perspectives on such questions, Mr. Knorr's thoroughgoing survey of how men have attempted to deal with these problems through three centuries of essentially modern history should be very valuable."

American Economic Review