In the name of benevolence, philanthropy, and humanitarian aid, individuals, groups, and nations have sought to assist others and to redress forms of suffering and deprivation. Yet the inherent imbalances of power between the giver and the recipient of this benevolence have called into question the motives and rationale for such assistance. This volume examines the evolution of the ideas and practices of benevolence, chiefly in the context of British imperialism, from the late 18th century to the present. The authors consider more than a dozen examples of practical and theoretical benevolence from the anti-slavery movement of the late 18th century to such modern activities as refugee asylum in Europe, opposition to female genital mutilation in Africa, fundraising for charities, and restoring the wetlands in southern, post-Saddam Iraq.

"De-Scribing Empire" is a stunning collection of first-rate essays that examine the textual fabric of colonialism and its legacy. Together they interpret the formative role of books, writing and textuality in imperial control and their role in fashioning colonial world-views. Foregrounding strategies of understanding and resistance, "De-Scribing Empire" places itself within a critical tradition of post-colonial studies.
As a spirited collection of some of the newest critical thinking, "De-Scribing Empire" analyses the multifarious ways in which imperialism operated textually. The authors examine such issues as the power of cartography to elide and dislocate identities; the imperial role of 19th century children's literature; the place of the feminine in colonial power hierarchies; the racialist unease shrouding early twentieth century adventure fiction; the questions and implications of "authenticity"; and the contradictions and tribulations of teaching resistance literature in western educational institutions.

De-Scribing Empire is a stunning collection of first-class essays. Collectively they examine the formative role of books, writing and textuality in imperial control and the fashioning of colonial world-views. The volume as a whole puts forward strategies for understanding and neutralising that control, and as such is a major contribution to the field. It will be invaluable for students in post-colonialist criticism.