Lists of tables, figures, maps and plates Preface Preamble 1. Spatial aspects of government: the network of communications 2. Spatial aspects of government: the structure of empire 3. The politics of population: the demography of metropolitan Asante 4. Kumase and the southern provinces: the politics of control 5. Kumase and the southern provinces: the politics of retrenchment 6. Asante and the Gold Coast: the politics of indecision 7. Kumase and the northern provinces: an overview 8. Asante and its neighbours: the politics of entente 9. The dynastic factor in Asante history: a family reconstruction of Oyoko royals 10. Kumase as the seat of government: the structure of decision making 11. Kumase as the seat of government: the structure of the executive 12. Political Popularization in nineteenth century Asante 13. Disorder in politics: from constitutional crisis to civil war 14. Modernization, reform, and the role of the Owusu Ansas in politics 15. Politics and policies in nineteenth century Asante: the ideological variables Glossary of principal Asante terms Guide to sources consulted Printed works, theses, dissertations, etc British Parliamentary papers Archives, field materials, newspapers, etc. Index.