(Hardback)

This volume tells the story of the French overseas empire, assembled as much by chance as by systematic design, an imperial presence that brought commerce, technology, and culture to indigenous peoples, while at the same time promoting the slave trade and suppressing independence movements.

(Paperback)

This volume tells the story of the French overseas empire, assembled as much by chance as by sytematic design. It was an imperial presence that brought commerce, technolgy and culture to indigenous peoples, while at the same time promoting the slave trade and suppressing independence movements.