Focusing on the period between 1870 and 1920, the book examines the intricate relationship between agriculture, development, and poverty under British rule in India's Patna Division, Bihar. It analyzes how British policies shaped the economy and explores the effects of legal, administrative, and scientific interventions on rural life and societal norms, providing a comprehensive understanding of colonial influence on local conditions.
Peter Robb Books






Ancient Rights and Future Comfort
Bihar, the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885, and British Rule in India
- 410 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Focusing on agrarian policy, the book examines the complexities of British rule in nineteenth-century India, exploring both the ideological foundations and the real-world impacts on the Indian populace. It delves into how these policies shaped social and economic structures, revealing the intricate relationship between governance and agriculture during this pivotal period in history.
The controversial, ground-breaking biography of Caravaggio
A Death in Brazil
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Lives
- 402 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The narrative delves into the lives of remarkable individuals, exploring their inner worlds and experiences through the lens of an extraordinary writer. It captures the depth of human emotion and the complexity of personal stories, revealing how each person's journey is shaped by their unique perspectives and circumstances. The book offers a profound reflection on the connections between lives and the stories that define us.
A vivid memoir which brings Naples and its extraordinary history to life
Midnight in Sicily
- 336 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A journey into the heart of Sicily, using art, food, history and literature to shed light on southern Italy's legacy of political corruption and violent crime. The book takes as its starting point the ongoing trial of seven-times Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti.