"Overflowing with surprises."—William Dalrymple, The Spectator
"Essential reading."—Dan Jones, Times (UK)
"Fascinating and authoritative."—Jerry Brotton
The improbable beginning of the East Company—from Tudor origins and competition with superior Holland—to the foundation of future British expansion.
The East Company was the largest commercial enterprise in British history, but its roots in Tudor England are often overlooked. The Tudor revolution in trade led ambitious merchants to seek new forms of investment, primarily in dangerous transatlantic ventures—and for these "adventurers," the most profitable choice was the Company.
Through a series of stories and fascinating details, David Howarth brings to life how the Company operated—from its early leaking ships and poor sailors to its later extensive commercial success. While the Company's efforts met disappointment in Japan, they sowed the seeds of success in India, laying the foundations for what would later become the British Raj. Drawing from numerous sources, Howarth shows how crucial competition from European powers was to success—and examines whether the Company was truly "English" or part of a European movement.
Pages: 480, Year of Publication: 0422, Dimensions: 12.7x12.7cm
