The process of decolonization transformed colonial and European metropolitan societies culturally, politically and economically . Its legacy continues to affect postcolonial politics as well as cultural and intellectual life in Europe and its former colonies and overseas territories. This authoritative collection of pioneering essays by many of the world's leading scholars in the field addresses the key issues of decolonization and provides an illuminating introduction to and a critical definition of this emerging field. Grouped around the most salient themes, this compilation includes discussions of metropolitan politics, gender, sexuality, race, culture, nationalism and economy, and thereby offers a comparative and interdisciplinary assessment of decolonization. The Decolonization Reader will provide scholars and students with a thorough understanding of the impact of decolonization on world history and cross-cultural encounters worldwide.