David Howarth

"Overflowing with surprises."—William Dalrymple, The Spectator "Essential reading."—Dan Jones, Times (UK) "Fascinating and authoritative."—Jerry Brotton The unlikely beginnings of the East India Company—from Tudor origins and rivalry with the superior Dutch—to laying the groundwork for future British expansion The East India Company was the largest commercial enterprise in British history, yet its roots in Tudor England are often overlooked. The...

The East India Company was the most powerful commercial enterprise in British history. Yet its speculative, highly risky origins are now all but forgotten. A revolution in commerce during the Tudor period led to a bold search for new forms of investment and, above all, for overseas enterprises – the most profitable of which would be the Company. David Howarth...