The British Empire, one of the most powerful forces in history, was also one of the most humanitarian. However, during its decline, few were willing to challenge the anti-colonial backlash that condemned millions to autocracy under the regimes that replaced it. Sir Alan Burns was one of them. In this vivid and provocative work of history, Bruce Gilley vindicates Sir Alan's view that decolonization was poorly handled and executed too quickly, in an analysis grounded in a sober assessment of the disasters of the 20th century. Gilley demonstrates that Burns understood the benefits of colonial administration and correctly predicted the anarchy accompanying its rapid dissolution. Based on previously unavailable documentation from Burns's family, The Last Imperialist debunks revisionist historians and overturns their unbalanced charges against European colonization. This is history writing at its boldest.