Smoke And Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories

Amitav Ghosh's Smoke and Ashes is a travelogue,memoir,and history that traces the transformative effect of the opium trade on Britain, India, China, and the world, revealing its origins in some of the world's biggest corporations, families, and institutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

The Ibis Trilogy, a monumental cycle of novels by Amitav Ghosh, delves into the lives of 19th-century sailors and soldiers, revealing how their experiences were shaped by the opium trade in the Indian Ocean. Ghosh's research uncovered a surprising connection between his own identity and family history and the story he was writing.

Smoke and Ashes, a captivating work of non-fiction, combines elements of travelogue, memoir, and history. Drawing on decades of archival research, Ghosh explores the profound impact of the opium trade on Britain, India, China, and the world at large. The British Empire engineered the trade, exporting Indian opium to China to balance trade imbalances and ensure its financial survival. However, Ghosh's investigation takes the story further, revealing the hidden connections between opium, some of the world's largest corporations, powerful American families, prestigious institutions, and contemporary globalism.

Through his meticulous exploration of horticultural histories, the mythologies of capitalism, and the social and cultural repercussions of colonialism, Ghosh unveils the intricate web of influence that opium wielded. Smoke and Ashes serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the unintended consequences of one small plant's global dominance. It sheds light on the complex interplay between economics, power, and cultural exchange, and emphasizes the need for critical examination of our past and present.

Amitav Ghosh's writing is praised for its sublime quality, as he skillfully weaves together historical narratives and personal reflections. His research is thorough, and his attention to detail is impeccable. The Ibis Trilogy, in particular, showcases Ghosh's exceptional storytelling abilities, as he creates vivid and compelling characters and immerses readers in the tumultuous world of 19th-century maritime exploration.

In conclusion, Smoke and Ashes is a remarkable work of non-fiction that delves into the hidden history of the opium trade. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Amitav Ghosh unveils the profound impact of this precious commodity on global politics, economics, and culture. The book serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of understanding our past to shape our future.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529349245