In this lavishly illustrated companion to his BBC TV series, Michael Wood weaves a spellbinding narrative out of the 10,000-year history of India. Home today to more than a fifth of the world's population, the subcontinent gave birth to the oldest and most influential civilization on Earth, to four world religions, and to the world's largest democracy. Now, as India bids to become a global economic giant, Michael sets out to trace the roots of India's present in the incredible riches of her past. From the Khyber Pass and the Himalayas to the tropical jungles of India's Deep South, this original and striking survey of Indian history provides vivid portraits of India's regions and cultures, and new insights into some of history's greatest figures: the Buddha and Ashoka, Samudragupta and Akbar the Great, Nehru and Gandhi. It explores the ways in which Indian ideas and inventions have shaped the history of the world, and shows how some of ancient India's conclusions about the nature of civilization have lost none of their relevance for our own times. Dazzling colour photographs capture an extraordinary spectrum of landscapes, architectural splendours, customs, rituals and festivals. This sumptuously illustrated book from one of Britain's best-loved historians and broadcasters is a magical mixture of history and travelogue, and an unforgettable portrait of India-past, present and future. Stunning hard cover display piece Lightly annotated in pencil (can be erased if desired; no dents) Further pristine condition
Disclaimer: Bees Books is run by an individual like yourself. I specialise in secondhand books and only stock books in a condition that I would be happy to use myself. While taking care to point out all notable flaws, more flaws may exist, but all books are intact and useable. Clear pictures are provided of the book for your perusal. Flaws are subjective; what is a flaw to some might be character to another. I stock rare vintage and antiquarian books, all of which are in charming vintage condition. Most books contain foxing, which is discolouration of the paper. It happens to all books, even newer books, and is a result of oxidization of mineral byproducts of the paper-making process. I inspect all books for mold, and dispose of all books that contain the slightest trace thereof. The easiest way to detect mold is through the damp/musty smell of a book. My collection includes ex-library books. These books are chosen for their acceptable condition and all of them are purchased from libraries selling discontinued, withdrawn books, benefiting the community library with much-needed funds, and saving the book for more people to enjoy.
