This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), one of the world's largest and most complex cities. The author weaves together personal experiences, interviews and observations to paint a vivid picture of the city's diverse inhabitants and their daily lives. The narrative delves into the city’s underworld, its entertainment industry, its religious tensions, and its political landscape, providing an in-depth look at the dichotomies of wealth and poverty, modernity and tradition, and order and chaos that define Mumbai.

"Empire of Cotton" by Sven Beckert is a comprehensive global history of cotton, exploring its impact on the world economy, politics, and society from the 18th century to the present day. Beckert argues that cotton played a crucial role in the development of capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism, and that its production and trade were intimately linked to the exploitation of labor, the growth of slavery, and the rise of industrialization. The book offers a fascinating and thought-provoking perspective on the complex and often violent history of cotton and its enduring legacy in the modern world.

The book provides a comprehensive account of the catastrophic eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in 1883, one of the deadliest volcanic events in recorded history. It explores the geological and historical context leading up to the eruption, detailing the scientific discoveries and cultural impacts that followed. The narrative delves into the global effects of the eruption, such as climatic changes and spectacular sunsets observed worldwide, and examines its profound influence on the local and global political landscapes. Through a blend of history, science, and vivid storytelling, the book captures the awe-inspiring power of nature and its lasting impact on human society.

"The Vanishing Generation: Faith And Uprising In Modern Uzbekistan" explores the complex relationship between faith, politics, and social change in contemporary Uzbekistan. Through in-depth interviews and extensive research, the author delves into the lives of young Uzbeks who are navigating the challenges of religious identity, political repression, and the desire for societal transformation. This thought-provoking book sheds light on the struggles and aspirations of a generation caught between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing society.

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the life and political career of Deng Xiaoping, a paramount leader who played a crucial role in steering China towards the path of reform and opening-up, transforming it from an impoverished, isolationist country into a global economic powerhouse. Through detailed research and analysis, the narrative delves into Deng's pragmatic approach to governance, his strategies for economic development, and his handling of domestic and international challenges. Highlighting his pivotal policies, leadership style, and the impact of his vision on China's modernization, the book offers an insightful look into the complexities of political leadership and the socio-economic evolution of one of the world's most populous nations.

This book delves into the historical patterns of inequality, arguing that significant reductions in inequality have only ever been brought about by cataclysmic events, which the author terms as the "Four Horsemen": war, revolution, state collapse, and plague. Through a comprehensive examination of societal structures from the Stone Age to the modern era, it presents a compelling case that peaceful reforms have rarely led to lasting decreases in inequality. The work challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that significant improvements in equality have often been forged in the crucible of immense human suffering, thereby questioning the prospects for achieving future equality without such extreme catalysts.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic development in nine Asian countries, focusing on the policies and strategies that have driven their growth. It contrasts successful economies like Japan, South Korea, and China with less successful ones in Southeast Asia, examining land reforms, manufacturing policies, and financial control. The author argues that the successful countries followed a similar developmental path by implementing land reform to support smallholder farming, focusing on manufacturing with strict productivity goals, and controlling the financial sector to support these policies. The book challenges conventional economic theories and offers insights into the mechanisms behind Asia's economic transformations.

"Delhi" by Khushwant Singh is a captivating exploration of the city's rich history, culture, and people. Through vivid anecdotes and personal experiences, the author paints a vivid picture of Delhi's transformation from ancient times to the present day. From the Mughal era to British rule, and the struggles of Partition, Singh delves into the city's tumultuous past while highlighting its enduring charm. With a blend of wit and nostalgia, this book offers readers a delightful journey through the vibrant streets, monuments, and diverse communities that make up the heart of Delhi.

This book delves into the complex history of the modern Middle East, focusing on the post-World War I era when Britain and France drew arbitrary borders, creating new nations and sowing the seeds for future conflicts. It examines the clandestine struggle between these colonial powers as they vied for dominance in the region, often at the expense of the local populations. The narrative reveals how the duplicitous actions and broken promises of Western powers during this period set the stage for enduring turmoil and established a legacy of distrust and instability that continues to affect the geopolitics of the Middle East to this day.

The book is a thought-provoking exploration of the British Empire's enduring impact on modern Britain. It delves into the ways in which imperialism has shaped the nation's psyche, politics, economy, and identity, often in ways that are overlooked or forgotten. Through a combination of personal memoir, historical analysis, and contemporary observation, the author challenges readers to confront the legacies of colonialism, including racism and cultural appropriation, and to recognize how the empire's influence permeates various aspects of British life, from its institutions to its global relationships. The work serves as a call to acknowledge and address this complex inheritance in order to better understand present-day Britain.

This book explores the historical, ideological, and political aspects of the Crusades and Jihad, comparing and contrasting the two. It delves into the origins and evolution of the Crusades and Jihad, their impact on Christian and Islamic societies, and their relevance in today's world. The author also examines the role of religion in conflicts and the use of religious ideologies for political purposes, providing a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.

This book provides a detailed exploration of Japan following World War II, focusing on the country's defeat and subsequent occupation by Allied forces. It delves into the profound changes in Japanese society, politics, and culture during this period. The narrative captures the struggles of ordinary Japanese people, their feelings of guilt and shame, as well as their efforts to rebuild their lives and nation. It also examines the role of the United States in shaping post-war Japan, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of this transformative era.

This book provides a comprehensive and controversial historical account of Emperor Hirohito of Japan, debunking the popular belief that he was a mere figurehead during World War II. Instead, the book argues that Hirohito was actively involved in the decision-making processes that led Japan into the war, and that he managed to escape blame for the nation's actions due to clever political maneuvering during the post-war period. The book also explores Hirohito's role in shaping modern Japan, detailing his influence on its military, political, and cultural institutions.

"Ghost Wars" is an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to just before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The book provides an intricate account of the CIA's role and America's foreign policy in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the emergence of Osama Bin Laden. It also details the numerous missed opportunities to capture or kill Bin Laden, and the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

"Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China" is a vivid exploration of contemporary China. The book delves into the lives of everyday citizens, from dissidents to entrepreneurs, and their pursuit of wealth, freedom, and faith amidst the country's rapid modernization. It provides an in-depth look into the country's socio-political landscape, including its struggles with censorship and corruption, as well as the aspirations and challenges faced by its people in the face of change.

This book provides a detailed historical account of the Taiping Rebellion, one of the most devastating civil wars in history, which took place in 19th-century China. It challenges the conventional Eurocentric perspective by focusing on the dramatic narrative of this conflict and its charismatic leaders, such as Hong Xiuquan, who led a movement to overthrow the Qing dynasty amidst the backdrop of the Opium Wars. The narrative not only explores the massive human cost and the geopolitical stakes but also examines the significant impact of these events on international relations and how they shaped the modern world.

"The Blood Telegram" is a gripping historical account that explores the devastating 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, then East Pakistan, and the complex political maneuvers during the Cold War era. The book focuses on the moral dilemmas and foreign policy decisions faced by the United States, particularly under the Nixon administration, which, despite receiving detailed reports from its own consul general in Dhaka about the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, chose to support Pakistan due to its strategic interests. This decision was influenced by the U.S.'s desire to use Pakistan as a conduit for opening relations with China, sidelining the horrific human rights abuses and the desperate pleas for help. The narrative is a powerful indictment of realpolitik and the often catastrophic human cost of geopolitical strategy.

"Maoism: A Global History" explores the profound influence of Maoist ideology beyond China, tracing its impact and adaptation in various countries around the world. The book delves into how Mao Zedong's ideas were interpreted and applied in different contexts, from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the urban centers of Europe and America, shaping revolutionary movements and national policies. It examines the allure of Maoism to its international adherents, the resulting political or violent struggles, and its legacy in contemporary politics, offering a comprehensive analysis of how a Chinese revolutionary ideology transformed into a global phenomenon.

"Red Memory" delves into the complex legacy of Mao Zedong's rule in China, exploring how it continues to shape the nation's identity and politics. Through personal stories and interviews, the book uncovers the deep and often conflicting emotions of Chinese citizens who lived through the tumultuous periods of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. The narrative reveals a society grappling with its past, where personal memories of suffering, resilience, and ideological fervor coexist with a state-driven narrative that both reveres and selectively forgets aspects of its own history. This exploration highlights the challenges of reconciling individual trauma with collective memory and the ongoing impact of Mao's era on contemporary China.

"Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam" is a comprehensive examination of the political and military events that led to the Vietnam War. The book explores the collapse of French colonial rule in Vietnam, the rise of the Viet Minh, and the subsequent involvement of the United States. The author critically analyzes the decisions made by key figures and the consequences of these actions, providing a detailed account of the historical events that shaped America's longest war.