The Story of India |
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Michael Wood
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Pages: 256 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 0563539151
Pub: BBC Books
Pub date: 2007-08-16
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 5720
Editorial Review:
Michael Wood's approachable (but highly informed) manner is a gift for TV presentation of a diverse selection of subjects, ranging from archaeology to foreign countries to Shakespeare, and as the book to accompany the epic BBC history series The Story of India comprehensively proves, those attributes transfer smoothly to the printed page. In this sumptuously illustrated volume, Wood tells a fascinating, turbulent story -- nothing less than the 10,000 year history of India. Over a fifth of the world's population is crammed into a subcontinent which was the initial progenitor of one of the most significant civilisations on the planet. And in a period when India becomes a global economic force to be reckoned with, it is the perfect time for Wood to show us how this massively achieving country relates to the demands of the modern world, while celebrating the awe-inspiring riches of the country's past. Taking us from the Himalayas to the sultry jungles of India's deep South, Michael Wood presents every aspect of the country, from its cultures, regions, religions and major historical figures (such as Gandhi and Nehru). The influence of Indian ideas on the rest of the world has long been a potent force, and Wood takes that on in a clear-sighted way; some might wish he tackle more rigorously the more controversial aspects of Indian society and religion, but this is not that kind of book. And the remarkable colour photographs perfect complement this ambitious and enlightening history and travelogue of one of the world's great countries. --Barry Forshaw
Reader Reviews:
Good and bad (0/0 people found this helpful)
The research done by Michael wood is quite substantial. I found the story of British Occupation in India slightly disappointing as I would have expected much more detail, but understandably time and editing rules. I also find it disappointing that not enough is commented on the effects of partition in Bengal. Too much is always commented on over the effects on Punjab, but those who have lived through the effects of partition in Bengal cannot relate to the complete ignorance of the region.
All in all I have enjoyed the series immensely and I would definitely recommend it for people (including a lot of Indians) who want to know a bit more about India .
Truly fascinating history (28/30 people found this helpful)
Michael Wood has done it again - brought a relatively little known period of history to life in thrilling fashion. This is totally absorbing and the pictures are absolutely stunning. Highly recommended.
India Explored (42/43 people found this helpful)
I've always found Michael Wood's books full of passion and insight and after watching his spectacular programme on Friday, I looked this up online immediately. I've just read it cover to cover (in one sitting!) and was relieved to find that what Michael Wood shows so elegantly on screen....is just as good in print! There is so much about ancient Indian history that gets overlooked and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a thorough, in depth account. I found it just as impressive as his other books, but really enjoyed the journey aspect to this - beautiful scene setting and pictures that make it feel like an epic.
Less words, more facts needed (42/67 people found this helpful)
What may be wonderful TV does not transfer well to the written page.A sweeping view of Indian history becomes bogged down in pretty turgid accounts of obscure emperors about whom very little is known. Michael Wood's tremendous enthusiasm rapidly starts to grate on my nerves.The book would have befitted from drastic editing and proof reading. One practical suggestion would be a reduction in the repetitive use of the adjective "great" to describe everything under the Indian Sun. For Michael Wood, all things are "great", from temples to civilisations to religions to ideas.The books contains some magnificent photographs, but the captions tell us very little.A gushing, journalistic style of writing does not do justice to the needs of those who seek to know and understand something of what makes up the identity of a country which fascinates so many of us.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> History -> Other Historical Subjects -> Historians -> Wood, Michael
Books -> Subjects -> History -> General
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover
Books -> Refinements -> Condition (condition-type)