First published in 1931, this book contains an abridged translation of Dr De Kat Angelino's analysis of the development of Dutch colonial policy, particularly with regard to Dutch colonies in the East. The views expressed in the text were notably liberal for their time, and volume one is primarily concerned with the principles and history of Empire-building in antiquity and in more modern times, as well as the daunting task of modernisation facing the colonial world. This richly-researched book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of European colonialism.