Empires of the Indus
- 366 pages
- 13 hours of reading
From Tibet to Pakistan, a mesmerising history of the Indus River's civilizations, emperors and explorers.
Alice Albinia Books
Alice Albinia crafts narratives deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent, with a particular fascination for the Indus River. Her journalistic work in India, contributing to prominent publications, provided her with an intimate understanding of the region's complexities. This was further deepened through her master's studies in South Asian history, where she meticulously researched the religious and political tapestry of the Indus region. Albinia's writing bridges rigorous research with compelling storytelling, bringing to life intricate historical events and their enduring impact.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 'A dazzlingly brilliant book' Hannah Dawson 'Fascinating, often exhilarating ... Albinia is an intrepid, imaginative guide' TLS The Britannias tells the story of Britain's islands and how they are woven into its collective cultural psyche. From Neolithic Orkney to modern-day Thanet, Alice Albinia explores the furthest reaches of Britain's island topography, once known (wrote Pliny) by the collective term, Britanniae. Sailing over borders, between languages and genres, trespassing through the past to understand the present, this book knocks the centre out to foreground neglected epics and subversive voices. The ancient mythology of islands ruled by women winds through the literature of the British Isles - from Roman colonial-era reports, to early Irish poetry, Renaissance drama to Restoration utopias - transcending and subverting the most male-fixated of ages. The Britannias looks far back into the past for direction and solace, while searching for new meaning about women's status in the body politic. Boldly upturning established truths about Britain, it pays homage to the islands' beauty, independence and their suppressed or forgotten histories.
The Indus River serves as a central character in this exploration, showcasing its historical significance from ancient civilizations to modern-day geopolitics. Alice Albinia embarks on a journey along the river's 2,000-mile course, revealing the rise of sophisticated cities and the complexities of contemporary Pakistan. Blending travel narrative with historical insight, the book offers a poignant reflection on the river's role in shaping cultural identities and political landscapes, making it both an engaging personal adventure and a profound commentary on the region.
A storm, a disappearance, a band of women and a remote island where anything is possible...