Hooghly The Global History of a River (Robert Ivermee)

Hooghly The Global History of a River (Robert Ivermee)

Brisk and judicious, "Hooghly" sets out to make the case for regarding a short river in Bengal as a crucible of global exchange. Based on original sources throughout, it succeeds quite brilliantly.' -- John Keay, author of 'India: A History'

'A rare and fascinating narrative of the Bengal delta, tracing the dynamic confluence of imperialist politics, mercantile ambition and economic progress that flowed through these waters. A history buff's delight and a stimulating narrative of a global melting-point, bubbling into life through Ivermee's detailed yet fluid rendition. Vivid, colourful and compelling.' -- Shashi Tharoor, Indian MP and author of 'Inglorious Empire'

‘[A] compelling, scholarly and engagingly written account of the Hooghly [that] more than makes up for our lack of familiarity with Indian rivers other than the Ganges… Ivermee combines historical knowledge and erudition with a sense that history is not made simply by great men and impressive events, but by hordes of lesser human beings and smaller events which, taken together, change the way history progresses.’

'A compelling book, which uses the history of a river to tell a story about the connection and conflict of people from different worlds. "Hooghly" is both an excellent introduction to the history of Bengal, and a comment on the limited nature of all claims to power, in the face of human diversity and the force of nature. Essential reading.' -- Jon Wilson, Professor in Modern History, King’s College London, and author of 'India Conquered'

'Not a history of the river but how the Hooghly made history, attracting Portuguese, Muslim, English, French, and Danish settlements, all drawing in global networks of trade, radical ideas, literature, and technology. An unusual and fascinating approach.' -- Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, author of 'The Great Uprising in India 1857-58: Untold Stories, Indian and British' and 'Portraits in Princely India, 1700-1947'