The Honourable Company

Description

Ex the English East India Company, there would be no British Empire - not even a British India. Over two centuries, the Company grew from a casual association of Elizabethan tradesmen to an empire that controlled half of the world's trade and provided a tenth of Britain's revenue. Its armed forces were greater than those of many nations. John Keay builds this epic tale of expansion from records and diaries of the Company's employees. The Company reached from southern Africa to Northwest America, and lasted from the reign of Elizabeth I to that of Victoria. The story is filled with pirates, rogues, brigands, mercenaries, royalty - and thousands of savvy traders. "Full of delicious anecdotes...stylish and entertaining." The Spectator The most infamous of the trading companies established by the great European powers, the English East India Company was the world's greatest trading power. For more than two centuries, they dominated world trade, raised armies and demolished nations. Now comes this major new book--a surprise hit in England. Photos and maps. Library : General Formats : EPUB ISBN : 9780025611696