A tropical dependency : an outline of the ancient history of the western Sudan with an account of the modern settlement of Northern Nigeria

A tropical dependency has long been regarded as the pioneer study of the history of Northern Nigeria. The author who lived and worked in West Africa was the Colonial correspondent of The Times and a brilliant writer on the problems of colonial administration.
In this study she gives a vivid account of the early history of the area, the Arab conquests, the rise and decline of Mohamedan rule, the founding of the early Soudanese states, the exploration, military conquests, travel, trade, and administration, and the beginnings of European influence in the area.
Lady Lugard based her work mainly on original sources and translations of Arabic literature but her unique knowledge of the area and its peoples, gave her a sympathetic understanding of the many economic and social problems that existed at the time of the British occupation.