{"title":"William Dalrymple","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Dalrymple\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a compelling journey through history, culture, and adventure, weaving rich narratives set across South Asia and the wider world. His works blend meticulous research with vivid storytelling, uncovering forgotten histories and exploring the complexities of empire, art, and religion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect immersive travel writing and deeply insightful cultural reflections, where memoir and biography intersect with accounts of military and political upheaval. Dalrymple’s books invite contemplation on the past’s enduring impact through stories that are both enlightening and evocative.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"city-of-djinns","title":"City of Djinns","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCity of Djinns\u003c\/em\u003e by William Dalrymple is a captivating exploration of one of the world's most intriguing cities. Spanning a year in Delhi, Dalrymple embarks on a journey tracing the city’s vast history, delving into its numerous incarnations over the millennia. Each layer of Delhi's history is meticulously peeled back, revealing a rich mosaic of cultures, stories, and legends that interweave the ancient and modern worlds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDalrymple immerses himself in the vibrant, chaotic, and often enigmatic life of Delhi. He uses his interactions with the city's diverse inhabitants to paint a living portrait of the metropolis. From the bustling markets and age-old monuments to the hidden corners and serene gardens, he brings Delhi's complex character to life. His eloquent prose effortlessly guides the reader through time, uncovering the secrets and stories embedded in the city's soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe author explores the physical remnants and the human narratives that define each of the eight historical cities of Delhi. Whether it is the grand Mughal architecture, the colonial vestiges, or the thriving streets brimming with contemporary culture, every page is infused with the essence of Delhi. Dalrymple's inquisitive spirit leads him to discover fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known tales that enrich the reader's understanding of the city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInterwoven with personal experiences and historical analysis, the narrative also delves into the mystical and mythical aspects of Delhi. The book concludes with a reflection on the Delhi creation myth as told in the great Indian epic, \u003cem\u003eThe Mahabharata\u003c\/em\u003e, providing a profound and poetic closure to his journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCity of Djinns\u003c\/em\u003e is not just a travelogue; it is a poignant homage to a city that stands at the crossroads of history, culture, and mythology. Dalrymple's keen observational skills and evocative storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the essence of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45685860565228,"sku":"9780006375951","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780006375951.jpg?v=1725457426"},{"product_id":"in-xanadu","title":"In Xanadu","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the age of twenty-two, William Dalrymple sets out from his college in Cambridge on an ambitious journey to the storied ruins of Kublai Khan's stately pleasure dome in Xanadu. In \u003cem\u003eIn Xanadu\u003c\/em\u003e, Dalrymple embarks on an epic quest across the breadth of Asia, traversing ancient, dusty roads, and weaving through a tapestry of diverse cultures and landscapes. His odyssey takes him through villages and cities that burst forth with unexpected hospitality, thrilling adventures, and wildly improbable escapades, offering readers a glimpse into the heart of Asia as it once was.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis narrative is at once an insightful travelogue and a historical exploration, marked by Dalrymple's sharp wit and deep knowledge. The book is interspersed with encounters that range from the serendipitous to the surreal, blending eloquence with a keen sense of poetry and delight. As readers follow Dalrymple and his companions on their arduous journey, they are transported to an era where travel was fraught with both peril and promise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn Xanadu\u003c\/em\u003e is a cherished work within the great tradition of British travel writing, celebrated for its ability to perfectly capture the spirit of adventure and discovery. The author's engaging storytelling, combined with his penchant for vivid description and insightful commentary, makes this book a charming and captivating read. Over the course of its pages, Dalrymple not only brings to life the landscapes and people he encounters but also offers a reflective look at history through the lens of his personal experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTold with an exhilarating blend of eloquence, wit, and knowledge, \u003cem\u003eIn Xanadu\u003c\/em\u003e has solidified its place as a classic in travel literature. Both funny and profound, this book is a testament to Dalrymple's extraordinary ability to craft a narrative that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or an armchair explorer, this seminal work promises to take you on a journey that you will not soon forget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686082830572,"sku":"9780006544159","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780006544159.jpg?v=1725461454"},{"product_id":"the-age-of-kali","title":"The Age of Kali","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Dalrymple's \u003cem\u003eThe Age of Kali\u003c\/em\u003e is an evocative collection of essays vividly recounting the multifaceted cultural, political, and social landscapes of India during the twilight years of the 20th century. Through his engaging and often startling narratives, Dalrymple offers readers an intimate glimpse into the contrasting worlds that coexist within the subcontinent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Dalrymple registers the unique essence of India by introducing a cast of memorable characters and an array of surprising incidents. He encounters 15-year-old guerrilla girls, dowager Maharanis, and witnesses flashy Bombay parties juxtaposed with violent village feuds. His journey encompasses the bizarre and the extraordinary, from a group of vegetarian terrorists determined to demolish India's first Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet to a palace where port and cigars are delivered to guests via a miniature silver steam train.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring his explorations, Dalrymple meets significant figures such as cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, film producer Ismail Merchant, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, and the flamboyant Indian pop star Baba Sehgal. Each interaction provides a profound insight into their lives and the complex tapestry of contemporary South Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Age of Kali\u003c\/em\u003e is not just an anthology of whimsical tales; it also delves into the darker aspects of India. Dalrymple bears witness to the terrifying nightly ritual dedicated to the goddess Parashakti, who demands offerings at her bloodthirsty shrine. He chronicles the turmoil of the civil unrest in Kashmir, the caste-driven massacres in Bihar, and the gripping tension over dinner with a drug baron on the North-West Frontier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe author's journey is peppered with remarkable oddities, such as the terrorist apes in Jaipur, subdued only when their bananas were laced with opium, and the mystical shrine where it is believed that the deity Lord Krishna engages nightly in celestial dalliance with his 16,108 wives and 64,732 milkmaids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDalrymple's prose in \u003cem\u003eThe Age of Kali\u003c\/em\u003e is both haunting and enlightening, shedding light on the resilience and the myriad contradictions of India. His observations are marked by a sense of curiosity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the region's history and contemporary challenges. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Indian society through the eyes of a masterful storyteller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686596468972,"sku":"9780006547754","price":26.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780006547754.jpg?v=1725468059"},{"product_id":"white-mughals","title":"White Mughals","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhite Mughals\u003c\/em\u003e by William Dalrymple is a captivating and heart-wrenching tale set in late 18th and early 19th century India. It chronicles the passionate love affair between James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the British Resident at the court of Hyderabad, and Khair un-Nissa, the enchanting great-niece of the Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Their romance defies the rigid cultural, religious, and political boundaries of the time, leading Kirkpatrick to convert to Islam and, according to some Indian sources, become a double agent working against the East India Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative delves deep into the multifaceted characters and convoluted political landscape of colonial India, revealing a world wherein kirkpatrick and Khair un-Nissa's secret meetings and eventual marriage ignite a swirl of court intrigue, religious tensions, and familial disputes. It paints a vivid picture of a bygone era where 'white Mughals', Europeans who embraced Indian customs and clothing, became a source of diplomatic embarrassment and complex cultural interactions from the early sixteenth century to the eve of the Indian Mutiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDalrymple’s meticulous research brings to life a host of colourful figures, including ‘Hindoo Stuart’, who travelled with his own team of Brahmins to maintain his temple of idols, and Sir David Auchterlony, who famously promenaded with all thirteen of his Indian wives, each perched on the back of their own elephant. Through these engrossing anecdotes, Dalrymple uncovers a world hitherto unexplored by history, placing at its centre a compelling narrative of seduction, betrayal, and the intricate dance of power and passion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRendered in rich, evocative prose, \u003cem\u003eWhite Mughals\u003c\/em\u003e is the product of five years’ writing and research, and triumphantly confirms William Dalrymple’s reputation as one of the finest writers and historians working today. His vivid portrayal of historical characters and settings transports the reader into the heart of colonial India, offering both an intimate love story and a sweeping cultural epic. This poignant tale is a must-read for those captivated by history, romance, and the nuanced intersections of diverse cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45687255171308,"sku":"9780006550969","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780006550969.jpg?v=1725476191"},{"product_id":"koh-i-noor","title":"Koh-i-Noor","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKoh-i-Noor\u003c\/i\u003e by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple offers the first comprehensive and authoritative history of the Koh-i-Noor, arguably the most celebrated and mythologised jewel in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn 29 March 1849, the ten-year-old Maharaja of Punjab was ushered into the magnificent Mirrored Hall at the centre of the great fort in Lahore. In a sombre and public ceremony, the frightened but dignified child was compelled to hand over vast swathes of the richest country in India in a formal Act of Submission to a private corporation, the East India Company. But this wasn't all; he was also forced to surrender a symbol of immeasurable value to the British monarch, Queen Victoria: the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond, also known as the \"Mountain of Light\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe British later commissioned a history of the Koh-i-Noor, though it was a narrative stitched together from the gossip and rumours of Delhi bazaars. Despite its dubious origins, this version of events became the accepted history of the diamond. It’s only now, through the diligent research by Anand and Dalrymple, that this tale is being meticulously disentangled from the myths and legends that have long obscured its truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKoh-i-Noor\u003c\/i\u003e expertly navigates through an intricate tapestry of greed, murder, torture, colonialism, and appropriation, charting the diamond's journey through an impressive span of South and Central Asian history. The story unfolds to reveal the darker chapters associated with the gem, depicting a more complex and often harrowing saga than commonly known.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative crescendos with the diamond in its current, controversial setting: adorning the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The authors shed light not only on the jewel itself but also on the significant political and historical implications of its journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMasterly, powerful, and erudite, \u003ci\u003eKoh-i-Noor\u003c\/i\u003e is history at its most compelling and invigorating. This book challenges long-held narratives, presenting a deeply researched account that frees the renowned diamond from its shroud of mythology, offering readers an intricate and engaging historical investigation into one of the world’s most famous treasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45706519281900,"sku":"9781408888827","price":21.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408888827.jpg?v=1725888810"},{"product_id":"return-of-a-king","title":"Return of a King","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSHORTLISTED FOR THE SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE 2013\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'As taut and richly embroidered as a great novel . . . a masterpiece'\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eSunday Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Dazzling'\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e | \u003cb\u003e'Magnificent'\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e | \u003cb\u003e'Sparkling'\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eDaily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA towering history of the first Afghan War by bestselling historian William Dalrymple.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the spring of 1839, Britain commenced its first ambitious foray into Afghanistan. Nearly 20,000 British and East India Company troops ventured through the perilous high mountain passes, aiming to re-establish Shah Shuja ul-Mulk on the throne. This military invasion marked the beginning of the First Anglo-Afghan War, which was initially met with minimal resistance. However, the occupation sparked fierce discontent among the Afghan populace, leading to a widespread rebellion following a call for jihad. The uprising culminated in a catastrophic retreat for British forces, marking a profoundly humiliating defeat for what was then the most powerful nation on Earth. An entire army was ambushed and annihilated by Afghan tribesmen, who despite being poorly equipped, displayed formidable resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Dalrymple’s \u003ci\u003eReturn of a King\u003c\/i\u003e provides a gripping narrative of this historical episode. Drawing extensively from forgotten Afghan and Indian sources, Dalrymple reconstructs the intricate tapestry of events and personalities involved in the conflict. His scholarly yet accessible retelling offers a vivid exploration of colonial ambition, cultural collision, folly, and hubris. The book stands as a poignant parable on the perils of imperialism and the enduring complexities of Afghanistan’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReturn of a King\u003c\/i\u003e transcends traditional historical accounts, weaving a compelling story that resonates with contemporary geopolitical themes. It presents a detailed and nuanced picture of the political machinations, personal rivalries, and profound misunderstandings that characterised the tumultuous period. The narrative is enriched by Dalrymple’s detailed portrayal of the key figures, including Shah Shuja, whose tragic fate underscores the human cost of imperial ambition. The book is a testament to Dalrymple's skill as a historian and storyteller, blending meticulous research with a captivating prose style to deliver an urgent and significant work of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45706794008812,"sku":"9781408831595","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408831595.jpg?v=1725891915"},{"product_id":"the-anarchy","title":"The Anarchy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Anarchy\u003c\/i\u003e by William Dalrymple meticulously charts the rise of the East India Company from a modest enterprise to a formidable colonial force. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Mughal Empire and a burgeoning British dominance, the book provides a captivating narrative of power, ambition, and historical upheaval. 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Written with passion and verve’\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003eSpectator\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘Dazzling ... Not just a historical study but also a love letter’\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘An outstanding new account ... The most compelling retelling we have had for generations’\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003eFinancial Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eIndia is the forgotten heart of the ancient world.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a millennium and a half, India was a confident exporter of its diverse civilisation, creating around it a vast empire of ideas. 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