The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty: Delhi, 1857

Amazing historical narrative on the events leading to the fall of the Mughal dynasty. Extremely well researched and well written

Overly detailed. I am really not interested in what Zafar likes to eat for supper, or indeed, what his Hookah looks like.

hard core - dipping in and out!!

Five stars for another masterpiece by Dlarymple....Big reference list alone is enough to proof the authenticiy of this eye opener historic book....All kudos goes to the hard work of writer.

I've always loved William Dalrymple's books - aside from telling wonderful stories his enthusiasm for his subject and for the research shines through in every paragraph.As always I wonder how the royalties from the book can possibly cover the time spent on research - but we're glad that they do (or at least allow him to justify his searching).

Fantasically researched and written. Dalrymple shows no bias, which in and of itself is worth commending, when he points out the pros and cons of all the parties involved. The way he references previously ignored sources and his thorough description of not only the actions of all the parties, but the motivations that were involved in this very complex and pivotal moment in not just the history...more

Fantasically researched and written. Dalrymple shows no bias, which in and of itself is worth commending, when he points out the pros and cons of all the parties involved. The way he references previously ignored sources and his thorough description of not only the actions of all the parties, but the motivations that were involved in this very complex and pivotal moment in not just the history of the subcontinent, but the entire world is enlightening. Takes the historical story well past that of a simple military revolt as the British have historically portrayed it as well as past the national uprising and first war of independance as it is now described by many modern day Indian sources. Brilliantly uses the past as a parallel for the present without having to overly state it for the reader. Very well done and I look forward to reading his other books including White Mughals.   hide

Amazing book giving insight into the pivotal point regarding British engagement in India. It echoes to the present.

easy to read. also, gives an interesting perspective on mirza galib's thinking.

For maximum effect read it with Ahmed Ali's Twilight in Delhi