Smoke And Ashes : Opium's Hidden Histories
£22.00 GBP
£22.00 GBP
Shortlisted for the esteemed Cundhill History Prize, this captivating account unravels the intricate...
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Description

Shortlisted for the esteemed Cundhill History Prize, this captivating account unravels the intricate tapestry of opium's global influence. With razor-sharp wit and unparalleled accessibility, Amitav Ghosh's 'Smoke and Ashes' delves into the dark underbelly of free-market capitalism and globalisation, as shaped by the deceptively innocent opium poppy.

Ghosh's journey began whilst researching for his acclaimed Ibis Trilogy, where he stumbled upon the astonishing revelation that opium's tendrils had not only entwined the lives of 19th-century seafarers and soldiers but had also inexorably altered the course of his own family history. This discovery propelled him into a decades-long investigation, culminating in this masterful blend of travelogue, memoir, and historical exposé.

With the precision of a seasoned detective, Ghosh uncovers the British Empire's calculated exploitation of the opium trade to rectify its trade imbalance with China, a strategy that proved indispensable to the Empire's financial survival. Yet, the trail of opium's profits leads to even more startling revelations, implicating some of the world's largest corporations, America's most influential families, and even the hallowed halls of the Ivy League.

As Ghosh deftly navigates through horticultural histories, capitalist mythologies, and the far-reaching consequences of colonialism, he paints a vivid picture of how one small plant has shaped our world. 'Smoke and Ashes' is not merely a historical account; it is a stark warning, illuminating the precarious state of our global society, teetering on the brink of catastrophe.

Product Information:

Book ISBN: 9781529349245
Book Author: Amitav Ghosh
Book Format: Hardback
Book Imprint: John Murray Publishers Ltd
Book Publisher: John Murray Press
Book Dimensions: 240 x 162 x 35 cm
Book Publication Date: 2024-02-15
Book Pagination: 416 pages
Book Weight: 678g
Why Sherlock & Pages?

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

Reviews

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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