India

I was delighted with Michael Wood's PBS series, "The Story of India," so decided I must have his book. (I am planning a second trip to India at the end of the year.) I have only completed the first few chapters at this writing. While the text is erudite, but lucid, I find it maddening to have to keep turning back to the only map the book has on pg. 6. And then, most of the places he speaks of in his narration aren't even on that map! How I wish that the beginning of each chapter would have had a close-up map of that part of the country he discusses! And, it would also be helpful if he gave a clue about the new name/old name for places, as well.

This is the companion to the PBS series narrated by the author regarding the history and culture of India. India is a fascinating country that is growing geometrically in importance, making this a particularly educational and worthwhile purchase. For what you get, the price is unrealistically LOW.

The book helps in better understanding of the chronological events that Michael Wood lays out from first human migration into India to present times. The strongest parts are the early periods for which there is lack of written history and later where mythology and history have blended together. Not exhaustive but a great read. I would also recomment Abraham Eraly's book- Gem in Lotus Pond.

I had to write because I do not understand the negative reviews of this fabulous book. The writing is so vivid you can picture each of the places he discusses even without the beautiful photographs. Wood knows how to tell history as a rich narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed the recent books on Indian history, "Indian Summer" by von Tunzelmann and "In Spite of the Gods" by Luce, but this epic tale of the entire sweep of Indian history from prehistory to today is even better. I can't imagine what the negative reviewers are looking for. I find this a remarkably rich and varied tale, well told. I highly recommend it.