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The Anarchy - by William Dalrymple
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About this item
Highlights
- Finalist for the Cundill History Prize ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal and NPR "Superb ... A vivid and richly detailed story ... worth reading by everyone.
- About the Author: William Dalrymple is the author of nine books about India and the Islamic world, including Return of a King, which won the Hemingway Award and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson, PEN Hessell-Tiltman, and Duff Cooper Prizes.
- 576 Pages
- History, Europe
Description
About the Book
From the bestselling author of Return of a King, the story of how the East India Company took over large swaths of Asia, and the devastating results of the corporation running a country.Book Synopsis
Finalist for the Cundill History Prize
ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal and NPR"Superb ... A vivid and richly detailed story ... worth reading by everyone." -The New York Times Book Review From the bestselling author of Return of a King, the story of how the East India Company took over large swaths of Asia, and the devastating results of the corporation running a country. In August 1765, the East India Company defeated the young Mughal emperor and set up, in his place, a government run by English traders who collected taxes through means of a private army. The creation of this new government marked the moment that the East India Company ceased to be a conventional company and became something much more unusual: an international corporation transformed into an aggressive colonial power. Over the course of the next 47 years, the company's reach grew until almost all of India south of Delhi was effectively ruled from a boardroom in the city of London. The Anarchy tells one of history's most remarkable stories: how the Mughal Empire-which dominated world trade and manufacturing and possessed almost unlimited resources-fell apart and was replaced by a multinational corporation based thousands of miles overseas, and answerable to shareholders, most of whom had never even seen India and no idea about the country whose wealth was providing their dividends. Using previously untapped sources, Dalrymple tells the story of the East India Company as it has never been told before and provides a portrait of the devastating results from the abuse of corporate power. Bronze Medal in the 2020 Arthur Ross Book Award
Review Quotes
"As William Dalrymple shows in his rampaging, brilliant, passionate history, The Anarchy, the East India Co. was the most advanced capitalist organization in the world . . . Mr. Dalrymple gives us every sword-slash, every scam, every groan and battle cry. He has no rival as a narrative historian of the British in India. The Anarchy is not simply a gripping tale of bloodshed and deceit, of unimaginable opulence and intolerable starvation. It is shot through with an unappeasable moral passion." --The Wall Street Journal
"Superb. . . a vivid and richly detailed story . . . the greatest virtue of this disturbingly enjoyable book is perhaps less the questions it answers than the new ones it provokes about where corporations fit into the world, both then and now. . . Dalrymple's book [is] worth reading by everyone." --The New York Times Book Review "A great story told in fabulous detail with interesting, if at times utterly rapacious or incompetent, characters populating it." --NPR "Gripping . . . Drawing richly from sources in multiple languages, The Anarchy is gorgeously adorned with luminous images representing a range of perspectives . . . Delightful passages abound, including of the duel between Warren Hastings and Philip Francis, Shah Alam as 'the sightless ruler of a largely illusory empire, ' and action-packed scenes of battle . . . Dalrymple has taken us to the limit of what page-turning history can be and do." --Los Angeles Review of Books "An energetic pageturner that marches from the counting house on to the battlefield, exploding patriotic myths along the way ... Dalrymple's spirited, detailed telling will be reason enough for many readers to devour The Anarchy. But his more novel and arguably greater achievement lies in the way he places the company's rise in the turbulent political landscape of late Mughal India." --The Guardian "How timely [The Anarchy] feels, how surprisingly of the moment ... It serves as a reminder that early capitalism was just as perverse, predatory, and single-minded in its pursuit of profit as its much-derided late-model equivalent." --The Daily Beast "William Dalrymple, the most versatile chronicler of India past and present, distilled another complex yet highly topical history into The Anarchy, a bloodcurdling account of the East India Co.'s ascent to imperial dominance, full of implications for corporate behavior today." --Maya Jasanoff "A well- known historian both in his native Britain and his adoptive India . . . Dalrymple has influenced the scholarly as well as the popular understanding of South Asian history through his use of both European and Indian sources, thus uniting the halves of a previously bisected whole." --New York Review of Books "Splendid . . . Dalrymple's book is an excellent example of popular history-engaging, readable, and informative." --National Review "William Dalrymple's The Anarchy makes sense of the E.I.C. and the political and economic conditions that enabled its curious ascent. . . [Dalrymple] navigates the teeming current of events smoothly, here gliding forward, there slowing to study the view." --Airmail "[The Anarchy] compelled my admiration . . . In William Dalrymple's deft hands we have an epic tale. It's very strong stuff." --Paul Kennedy "Mr. Dalrymple sails through this story in fine style. . . . The reader will find plenty that echoes in modern India." --The Economist "Dalrymple has been at the forefront of the new wave of popular history, consistently producing work that engages with a wider audience through writerly craft, an emphasis on characters and their agency, evocative description of place and time, and the inclusion of long-neglected perspectives. [The Anarchy]'s real achievement is to take readers to an important and neglected period of British and south Asian history, and to make their trip there not just informative but colorful." --The Observer "The author is a marvelous storyteller. By quoting extensively from the company's own voluminous records, private letters, and diaries, Persian-language sources, eyewitness accounts penned by an insightful local historian, and other reports, Dalrymple creates a 'You Are There' environment for the reader that makes the book hard to put down." --Washington Independent Review of Books, Favorite Books of 2019 "Dalrymple recounts the remarkable history of the East India Company from its founding in 1599 to 1803 when it commanded an army twice the size of the British Army and ruled over the Indian subcontinent. . . . It's a hell of a story." --Marginal Revolution "[An] expert account of the rise of the first great multinational corporation." --Kirkus ReviewsAbout the Author
William Dalrymple is the author of nine books about India and the Islamic world, including Return of a King, which won the Hemingway Award and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson, PEN Hessell-Tiltman, and Duff Cooper Prizes. He writes regularly for the New Yorker, the New York Review of Books, and the Guardian and is one of the founders and a codirector of the Jaipur Literature Festival.Dimensions (Overall): 9.3 Inches (H) x 6.3 Inches (W) x 1.9 Inches (D)
Weight: 2.35 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 576
Genre: History
Sub-Genre: Europe
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Theme: Great Britain
Format: Hardcover
Author: William Dalrymple
Language: English
Street Date: September 10, 2019
TCIN: 76443131
UPC: 9781635573954
Item Number (DPCI): 248-29-3813
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.9 inches length x 6.3 inches width x 9.3 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 2.35 pounds
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5 out of 5 stars with 1 ratings
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4.4 out of 5 stars with 11 reviews
81% would recommend
11 recommendations
A must read for those interested in Indian History
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
soziektintee - 2 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Anarchy was an engaging and well researched book. Dalrymple digs through the political, military and economic strategies that led to the conquer and control of India. It is very well written and boasts great pictures to go along with the history. The glossary in the back of the book was a fantastic tool for cross referencing. This story is all about how the British military force took over the Indian Emipre reshaping their history. This is great for history buffs. I received an incentive to write this review.
Extensive, complicated analysis worth the read
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
soziepisces17 - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is probably the most researched and notated book I have ever read! I knew nothing about the topic before reading this and have certainly learned a lot about the East India Company and how it shaped England’s colonialization and control of India. What an interesting story to read through today’s lens. I LOVED the great quality full color picture pages that are referenced in the book and being able to refer back to the extensive glossary, notes and bibliography. Very impressive book, maybe a bit dry for me. I received an incentive to write this review.
The anarchy book by William dalrymple
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
soziecashes1234 - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This book does an excellent job to complete a history of the east India Company. It also tells many stories about how the company defeated its principal rivals, the nawabs of bengal and Avadh, Mysore Salutanate and great Maratha confederacy. it can be confusing to someone who is not familiar with the east India Company, or the pillage of an empire. This empire dominated world, traded manufacturing and possessed almost unlimited resources, but then fell apart and was replaced by corporation shareholders. Interesting views, and interesting story, but can definitely confuse someone who has no background knowledge. I received an incentive to write this review.
The book of how east India company took over Asia
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this book for I am interested in history. I wasn’t sure how this one would go. First off upon receiving it I couldn’t believe how thick it is, 397 pages of actual reading. I loved the pictures in this book they were so beautiful. I found this snippet interesting, the impeachment had been Phillips final revenge, out of hate and a obssed passion. This book is about the history of the East India company. A enterprise that became full fo power. The effects of capitalism and the dangers of greed. You definitely have to be into this kind of stuff and be ready to be bored but also brought back up with interest. I received an incentive to write this review.
I had to force myself to get through it
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
soziemeganc911 - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’m not usually one to read much non fiction, however, I heard that The Anarchy by William Dalrymple read more like a fictional book so I decided to give it a try. Well, now I wish I hadn’t. It was nothing like reading fiction and it had so many gory details. One in particular about cutting a guys eyes out. And All of the battles listed out in detail, holy cow! What drudgery! I did appreciate the fact that he included a list of all of the important people and some facts about them at the start of the book and a very extensive glossary of terms at the back. The paintings included were nice as well but none of this made up for the fact that I had to force myself to get through the book. I feel as though this book was more about a bunch of battles than anything else. My favorite part of the entire book was at the very beginning where I learned that the word loot came from India lol. I received an incentive to write this review. I received an incentive to write this review.
Great historical book,Great quality
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
sozieainy - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Anarchy is written by William Dalrymple.In this book the author describes the most advanced capatilist organization which is The East Indian Company.The author highlights the rise of East Indian company in the second half of 18 century against the backdrop of the Mughal empire and the rise of regional empire powers.The author also give introduction to Great historical personalities for example the Nawabs, the Mughals,the Rohillas,the Marathas,the Sultans,the French and the Bristish.The book emphasize the history of East Indian company in the Indian subcontinent which was founded in 1599,the main part is the territorial conquests starting from the battle of Plassey in 1757 which results in the conquest of Bengal, which was richest province.Details also tell us how by the end of 1803 they have gained control of the entire subcontinent.Overall its great historical book and I enjoy reading it.The quality and pictures make it more interesting to read this book. I received an incentive to write this review.
A good read for history buffs
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
sozieaiotero - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As someone that is drawn to a blend of history and human drama, I found this book both interesting and unsettling. Dairymple's storytelling stands out as he writes with the urgency of a thriller, blending meticulous research with vivid portraits of historical figures and events. I appreciated its contemporary relevance, especially the insight: "India's transition to colonialism took place under a for-profit corporation, which existed entirely for the purpose of enriching its investors." This statement reframing India's colonial experience as driven by corporate greed rather than state-led conquest, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of unchecked corporate power. While the book's depth is admirable, the level of detail at times felt overwhelming, particularly in descriptions of battles and policies. Dalrymple's sympathetic tone toward the emperors also occasionally felt unbalanced, leaving me wanting a more nuanced critique of all involved. I received an incentive to write this review.
Eye opening history of the British empire
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
sozieboymom3 - 3 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This book was eye opening for me on this particular aspect of history. The story of colonization in various parts of the world is difficult to read about and this was no exception. I found the excerpt regarding the for-profit company that controlled the British role in conquering India very alarming. The injustices done to the people in India for the goods and riches is devastating. I am no history buff but found this book well written and interesting I received an incentive to write this review.
For non-fiction, told a great story, not for me
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
sozieakwags2727 - 4 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I’m not gonna lie I am one who usually reads fiction novels because reading about historical information is quite difficult. However, this book offers so much insight into how a society is in shambles after changes with money at the forefront takes over. Parts of it read like fiction, which was nice for me, and I was very thankful that there was a glossary in the back to guide. For someone who is into history like my dad, this would be an incredible gift as this is a genre they are interested in. For me, not so much. I received an incentive to write this review.
A beautiful and descriptive history book on India
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
soziebizzymom29 - 4 months ago
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Anarchy by William Dalrymple is an elaborate book depicting the Indian royal history and the colonization of East India. The book is very descriptive in discussing the British influence and the pilage against ndian companies and its people. The book is written in depth and was difficult to read in parts. There is a lengthy glossary that I had to reference several times while reading. This book features many beautiful full color photos to bring to life the written words. This book is suited for history buffs or anyone interested in economics, especially multicultural economics. For the price, it was a good value. This is not for anyone who struggles with reading comprehension, as the writer did sometimes jump around a lot. The facts were great and very informative, but some of the other stories were hard to follow along. I received an incentive to write this review.
History that reads like a thriller!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Andthenwhathappened - 4 months ago
Reads like fiction totally thrilling and super informative, you get a clear picture of just how the British (and other Europeans) being relatively quite poor & desperate first got a foothold into a prosperous and rich India - in which Islam is deeply significant - and how that foothold grows into a nightmare for India which realises too late to save their multicultural multi faith prosperous society. Apparently an Obama fave!