This book is gigantic, and it is a major accomplishment for the author to have carried out and transmitted his investigations. The author would like to be hailed as "the new Gibbon," and he is very pleased with himself; he also often offers non-insightful personal opinions in his presentation of the material. These shortcomings, however, cannot undermine the worth of this work. This book offers comprehensive coverage of the British Empire, organized in chapters that covers specific areas (e.g. India) in specific periods (such that there might be, for example, a number of chapters on India at different points in the book). It is a fairly easy read, and a highly valuable reference work.