Promotional Information

A mesmerizing portrait of the Indian subcontinent by one of Britain s finest historians

About the Author

For more than 20 years, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood has made compelling journeys into the past, which have brought history alive for a generation of readers and viewers. He is the author of several highly praised books on English history including In Search of the Dark Ages, The Domesday Quest, In Search of England and In Search of Shakespeare. He has over 80 documentary films to his name, among them Art of the Western World, Legacy, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Conquistadors and In Search of Myths and Heroes. Michael was born in Manchester and educated at Manchester Grammar School and Oriel College Oxford, where he did post-graduate research in Anglo-Saxon history. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Reviews

Gr 9 Up-India's 10,000-year history is rich with cultural constancy, spiritual development, and intellectual advancements in math, science, dance, art, and literature. The film underscores India's importance today as the largest democracy in the world. In the first segment, "Beginnings," host Michael Wood reaches back in time before recorded history to chronicle the people and rituals that first defined this unique culture. "The Power of Ideas" explores the worldwide spiritual impact of Buddhism, while "Spice Routes & Silk Roads" examines its impact on worldwide economics. "Ages of Gold" juxtaposes the history of the Western Dark Ages with the achievements simultaneously taking place in India. The influence of Muslim religion and culture on India is explicated in "The Meeting of Two Oceans." "Freedom" details India's relationship with Britain beginning with the East India Company through its colonial emancipation in 1947. This epic history puts India's current role in the global community in a much wider context, making it evident that this great civilization has always been a central and pivotal contributor to human history. Each episode has accompanying online lesson plans meeting national education standards. A captivating series for high school and college media centers.-Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

An entertaining history of one of the world's most fascinating places * Daily Telegraph on the hardback edition *
A marvellously vivid portrait of India's 10,000-year-old cultural and religious history...Gorgeously illustrated and intelligently written, this is both an erudite and entertaining history * Sunday Telegraph on the hardback edition *
This is a beautifully illustrated cultural history, a traveller's tale and a compelling and readable guide to the rise and rise of a civilization * The Good Book Guide on the hardback edition *
Michael Wood is the maker of some of the best television documentaries ever made on history and archaeology. * Times Literary Supplement *