William Dalrymple

"A Stranger in Your Own City" by Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is a poignant portrayal of the people of Iraq and their struggles through two decades of war. As a native son, Abdul-Ahad offers a unique perspective of his once cosmopolitan city, which fell into chaos due to a megalomaniacal leader, foreign invasion, and the fragmentation of home. Through his reportage, we witness the devastating human cost of war and the shifting allegiances of everyday people, soldiers, and mercenaries. This award-winning book is a beautiful and tragic reminder of the importance of returning the land to the people who truly belong to it.

Explore the complex political and intellectual history of the English East India Company with The Company-State. Author Philip J. Stern challenges the traditional narrative of the British Empire's birth in India, instead revealing the corporation's focus on colonial governance and civic institutions. Readers will discover how the Company wrestled with issues of political authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty over people, territory, and the sea. This unique perspective on the early modern world challenges distinctions between commercial and imperial eras in British India and offers insight into the fragmented nature of state, sovereignty, and empire.

Experience the drama of one of the greatest events in world history - India's liberation from British rule. Follow the lives of influential figures, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mohandas Gandhi, and the Mountbattens, as they navigated the chaos, bloodshed, and war that followed the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. Amidst Cold War conspiracies and a conflict in Kashmir, witness the secret personal drama between Edwina Mountbatten and Nehru in this passionate tale of love, history, and divided loyalties.

This riveting book unveils the story of the East India Company as it took control of Asia and ran a country with devastating consequences. At the heart of this story lies the creation of a government run by English traders who collected taxes through a private army. The company, transformed into an aggressive colonial power, ruled almost all of India south of Delhi for 47 years, leaving a painful legacy in its wake.

Discover the intriguing history of India's ancestry, tracing back 65,000 years to the arrival of modern humans from Africa. Journalist Tony Joseph uses groundbreaking DNA research to unravel controversial questions about Indian history, including the migration of the 'Aryans' and the genetic diversity of the country's castes. Early Indians presents this information in an entertaining and highly readable manner, ultimately revealing a crucial truth about the country's population: we are all migrants and mixed. A significant and brave book that puts to rest long-standing debates about Indian ancestry.

"Unravel the mysteries of human prehistory through groundbreaking technological innovations in genomics and ancient DNA extraction. Discover how genomics, alongside archeology, linguistics, and the written word, have revolutionized our understanding of our own species. In this must-read book, the author showcases the importance of the Genomic Revolution, along with ancient DNA studies, in deconstructing racial hierarchies and revealing the deep history of human inequality."

Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal like never before with a detailed analysis of its architecture and meaning. With over thirty years of experience working on the palaces and gardens of Shah Jahan, including a decade devoted to the Taj Mahal, Ebba Koch provides the first extensive documentation of every building in the complex. Discover the inspiration behind the tomb's design, based on the palace gardens of the imperial family and great nobles, as well as the intricate floral ornamentation that has made it one of the most famous buildings in the world. With stunning photographs and reconstructions, experience the Taj Mahal in the context of its history and its lasting significance.

Discover the fascinating world of Tang dynasty China with this acclaimed work by Edward H. Schafer. Expanding upon the cultural exchange and introduction of foreign objects during this era, this book delves into all aspects of Tang dynasty life, such as animals, plants, food, textiles, and religion. With over 170 categories covered, expect a comprehensive and valuable read that delves into Chinese history and civilization. Beautifully illustrated with 20 black and white images and 24 pages of colorful photos, this is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese culture and the exchange of ideas throughout history.

Explore the context behind the formation of Buddhism in this insightful book. Author Robert DeCaroli delves into the societal and political influences that shaped the beliefs and practices of early Buddhist monks and nuns. Drawing on fieldwork, textual evidence, and iconography, DeCaroli reveals how these individuals incorporated beliefs in minor deities and spirits of the dead into their new faith, revolutionizing their approach to spiritual beings. An important contribution to the understanding of early Indian religion and society, this book is a must-read for those interested in Buddhist studies, Asian history, art history, and anthropology.