Waves Across the South: A New History of Revolution and Empire

A new history of the making of our world, from the ocean to the forgotten histories of ocean-facing communities, by Cambridge historian Sujit Sivasundaram. It traces the origins of our times from the perspective of indigenous and non-European people in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is a compulsive story full of cultural depth and range.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Winner of the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, shortlisted for the Pen-Hesssel Tiltman Prize 2021, and longlisted for the Cundill History Prize 2021, Peter Frankopan's 'Global History at Its Finest' is a groundbreaking work that re-centers our understanding of the world. Drawing from the ocean and the forgotten histories of ocean-facing communities, this new history of the making of our world offers a fresh perspective on the tumultuous period from 1790 to 1850.

After the revolutions in America and France, a wave of turmoil swept the globe from 1790 to 1850, particularly affecting indigenous peoples. By 1850, vibrant public debate between colonized communities had erupted in port cities. However, amidst this global upheaval, Britain took a bold step by sea and established its supremacy over the Indian and Pacific Oceans, surpassing its French and Dutch rivals.

In his remarkable book, Cambridge historian Sujit Sivasundaram brings together his extensive work in far-flung archives across the world and the latest academic research. This book challenges the traditional narrative of history, which often centers on the northern hemisphere and the influence of Europe on the rest of the world. Instead, it traces the origins of our times from the perspective of indigenous and non-European people in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

What makes this book truly compelling is its rich cultural depth and range. It weaves a bracingly fresh account of the origins of the British empire, offering a new perspective on the complex web of events that shaped the world we know today. The book is filled with fascinating insights and anecdotes, making it a must-read for anyone interested in global history and contemporary issues.

In conclusion, Peter Frankopan's 'Global History at Its Finest' is a groundbreaking work that redefines our understanding of the world. By exploring the origins of our times from the perspective of indigenous and non-European people in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the complex history of our world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in global history and contemporary issues.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780007575541