This is a fascinating yet controversial account of Britain's role in India in the lead up to Independence in 1947 and in particular the last three years. It is a very different view to the history we have taken as true until now. I was sceptical before opening this book yet on reading it, there clearly is another dimension to the story of the period which perhaps in official circles was ignored and his writing is concise and persuasive. Given the author, Walter Reid is a hugely admired and respected writer on military and political history whose research is incredibly impressive, his viewpoint should not be ignored. Keeping the Jewel in the Crown is an incredibly readable work of non-fiction that deserves to be read.
A 'Piece of Passion' from the publisher...
‘Keeping the Jewel in the Crown is in the best traditions of historical writing. It’s well researched, concisely written, stimulating and controversial. Walter Reid has an extraordinary talent to get to the heart of the matter, to make sense of complex issues, to present a balanced viewpoint and to present it clearly. Liberal use of anecdote about the personalities and events he describes adds another dimension, bringing out the human element which is so crucial to our understanding of history.’ Andrew Simmons, Managing Editor, Birlinn
Keeping the Jewel in the Crown The British Betrayal of India Synopsis
When India became independent in 1947, the general view, which has prevailed until now, is that Britain had been steadily working for an amicable transfer of power for decades. In this book Walter Reid argues that nothing could be further from the truth. With reference to a vast amount of documentary material, from private letters to public records and state papers, he shows how Britain held back political progress in India for as long as possible - a policy which led to unimaginable chaos and suffering when independence was granted, and which created a legacy of hatred and distrust that continues to this day.
Walter Reid was educated at Oxford University, where he read history, and Edinburgh University. He is now based in the west of Scotland, but spends part of the year in France. His previous work includes 'To Arras, 1917' (Tuckwell Press), and the critically acclaimed biography of Douglas Haig, 'Architect of Victory' (Birlinn, 2006).
