Commodities and Colonialism: The Story of Big Sugar in Indonesia, 1880-1942 (Verhandelingen Van Het Koninklijk Instituut Voor Taal-, Land- En Volkenkunde) by G. Roger Knight

G. Roger Knight paints a vivid picture of Indonesia's colonial past through the lens of the sugar industry, unraveling the complex ties between commodities and colonial exploitation. His narrative reveals the insatiable demand for sugar that fueled both economic growth and social upheaval. Through meticulous research, he illustrates how local communities were affected by foreign interests, highlighting the human cost of a commodity-driven era.

With a keen eye for detail, he chronicles the industry's rise from 1880 to 1942, illustrating the intertwining of power, labor, and culture in a bustling colonial landscape. Knight's work invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of colonization and the lasting legacy of these historical events, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intricate web of trade, exploitation, and resilience.