The subject of this book is the colonial policy of Campbell-Bannerman's Liberal Government in which the Ninth Earl of Elgin was Colonial Secretary and Winston Churchill, in his first ministerial post, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. The partnership of these two, while incongruous in many respects, and represents the real moment of transition from nineteenth-century empire to twentieth-century commonwealth.

Although primarily concerned with the thoughts and ideas of Elgin and Churchill, and the evolution of colonial policy within their lively relationship, this central theme is set in the wider contexts of the political career of Lord Elgin and the official policy of the Liberals towards the empire generally. Within this framework, the book offers the reader insights into the formulation of British policy at the highest level; an account of colonial policy at a time of unusual significance and activity, especially for African developments; a portrait of the often neglected and underrated figure of Lord Elgin, and finally, a fascinating picture of the young Churchill at work during the early years of his political career.

Research for this comprehensive study -- embracing Australia, Ceylon, Cyprus, Fiji, Newfoundland and the West Indies, as well as the whole of Africa under British rule -- was based on the Elgin papers to which the author was given exclusive, unrestricted access. Consequently, the book contains much new information about this interesting period.