The Anarchy Audiobook By William Dalrymple cover art

The Anarchy

The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

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The Anarchy

By: William Dalrymple
Narrated by: Sid Sagar
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Buy for $23.44

Buy for $23.44

Bloomsbury presents The Anarchy by William Dalrymple, read by Sid Sagar.

THE TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
ONE OF BARACK OBAMA'S BEST BOOKS OF 2019
THE TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
FINALIST FOR THE CUNDILL HISTORY PRIZE 2020
LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2019
A FINANCIAL TIMES, OBSERVER, DAILY TELEGRAPH, WALL STREET JOURNAL AND TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR

‘Dalrymple is a superb historian with a visceral understanding of India … A book of beauty’ – Gerard DeGroot, The Times

In August 1765 the East India Company defeated the young Mughal emperor and forced him to establish a new administration in his richest provinces. Run by English merchants who collected taxes using a ruthless private army, this new regime saw the East India Company transform itself from an international trading corporation into something much more unusual: an aggressive colonial power in the guise of a multinational business.

William Dalrymple tells the remarkable story of the East India Company as it has never been told before, unfolding a timely cautionary tale of the first global corporate power.

©2019 William Dalrymple (P)2019 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Colonial Period South Asia Politics & Government Wars & Conflicts 18th Century Military India War Asia Modern Iran Middle East Dutch East India
Fascinating History • Well-researched Content • Mesmerizing Narration • Illuminating Perspective • Excellent Cadence

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Was interesting how a non-fiction book could evoke such strong emotional responses from me. As an Indian myself, this book did highlight nuances about the history of EIC that aren’t really taught to kids growing up as part of the academic curriculum. At the same time, it did end up leaving me with more questions than answers - what is my take-away from this story considering my ancestors were likely unwitting participants in the events narrated here. Also, how does the author feel about his ancestors likely having been on the other side of the story as mine? Nitpicking aside, was a great narrative experience for me. Will definitely give this multiple listening to truly absorb all the little stories along the way.

Thought provoking

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an incredible story of Corporate conquest and the disintegration of Mughal Dominion. a must buy

Corporate Imperium

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It's well written provided with detailed research and balanced viewpoints. Makes one go back in time and imagine the events as they unfolded. Highly recommended!

Excellent

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The introduction and conclusion of this book make it seem political, but the core was just very detailed history with little theorizing or commentary. Dalrymple beautifully allowed the primary sources to tell the incredible story of their time. It felt incredibly thorough while still being accessable.

The only gripes I had were that in audio form it was occasionally hard to tell what was quotation and what was narration. The modern equivalencies of vast sums of money also disrupted the flow and were not particularly helpful.

Overall an informative military, political, and economic history.

Very thorough history

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Totally blasted my knowledge about India and Britain. Changed my views of 18th century commerce

Earthshaking

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