The scholarship of James Smoot Coleman exemplifies the fusion of liberal-democratic idealism and scientific realism in African political studies. In this field Coleman was the leading political theorist of his time. This collection of his essays represents the evolution of his thought from deep, sympathetic insight into the nature of African nationalism to a refined theory of modernization, based substantially on the values of its critics.

As a result of his work, Coleman has been recognized by Africanist scholars of diverse ideological persuasions in all parts of the world as a mentor and model.

These essays constitute an indispensable contribution to the intellectual history of comparative African politics. While some of them are cited frequently, others were published in relatively obscure or specialized journals and in books that are not readily available. Their republication in a single volume will be useful to a new generation of scholars who continue to grapple with problems in African development.

They will draw inspiration from Coleman's lucidly described encounters with the origins of current problems and be stimulated to read his lengthier works which, along with these essays, helped to shape the field of development studies.