The Demographics of Empire: The Colonial Order and the Creation of Knowledge

This collection of essays explores the varied nature of the colonial science of demography over the past two centuries. Scholars from Africa, Britain, and France address three questions: How have historians, demographers, and other social scientists understood colonial populations? What were the demographic realities of African societies and how did they affect colonial systems of power? And, how did demographic theories developed in Europe shape policies and administrative structures in the colonies? Editors Ittmann (history, U. of Houston), Cordell (history, Southern Methodist U.), Maddox (history, Texas Southern U.), and eight contributors provided material for the book. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)