Books matching: imperial violence
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A powerful, eye-opening critique of the British Empire that pulls no punches - essential for anyone wanting the full picture, but may feel too partisan or intense for some tastes.
"The Blood Never Dried: A People's History of the British Empire" by John Newsinger is a critical examination of the British Empire, focusing on various historical episodes that reveal the brutal and violent nature of colonialism. The book delves into atrocities committed during the British rule in different parts of the world, shedding light on the racist policies and violent strategies employed by British politicians. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Newsinger exposes the dark underbelly of the Empire, challenging the glorified narratives often associated with British imperialism.
The book presents a series of chapters that explore significant events such as the suppression of the Mau Mau in Kenya, the Indian freedom fighters' struggle, and the Palestine Revolt, among others. Through these narratives, Newsinger paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of colonial rule, debunking myths of benevolence and highlighting the lasting impact of violence and exploitation on the colonized nations. With a passionate condemnation of imperial violence and duplicity, "The Blood Never Dried" offers a compelling insight into the connective threads between past atrocities and current political landscapes.
September 2006•286 pages- #2
Save:A fun, easy-to-devour queer space opera that's perfect for fans craving escapist adventures and swoony drama, but it might miss the mark for those seeking deep world-building or intricate political intrigue.
'Bonds of Brass' by Emily Skrutskie is a space opera featuring a hotshot pilot and a secret royal navigating deadly political intrigue, blood-obsessed empires, and a complicated roommates-to-more relationship. The story follows the heir to a galactic empire who is hiding out as a cadet at a military academy, and his love for a traumatized kid determined to make a new life in the conqueror's military. As they flee together from a power play, they face secrets and plots, discovering that not everyone defeated is willing to stay that way. presents a conflict between love and duty, with a focus on a breathless gay romance set in a galactic empire space opera.
MY STOMACH DROPS when I see it. Not in horror—something closer to exasperation sculpts the feeling of my mess-hall-slop breakfast bottoming out. The hangar outside the equipment room rumbles with acti...April 2020•326 pages - #3
Save:Sumptuous, ambitious, and sometimes overwhelming, this is a layered novel for readers looking to sink into the politics and personalities of an imperial age - but it’s not for those in search of a concise or rigorously accurate historical read.
'The Mulberry Empire' by Philip Hensher is a fictionalized tale set during the 1830s focusing on the expansion of the British Empire into Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan. The narrative follows a wide range of characters from different backgrounds - English military leaders, soldiers, and wives, as well as Afghani tribal leaders, soldiers, and wives. The story vividly describes the beauty and ominous changes of the land, portraying the rise and beginning of the fall of the British Empire from India and Afghanistan, intertwined with Russian and English plots and ambitions. Hensher's writing style is noted for its detailed character sketches, intricate historical context, and the exploration of life in the British Empire during the 19th century.
The Amir Dost Mohammed Khan had fifty-four sons. And his favourite among these sons was Akbar. One day Dost Mohammed feared that he was ill, and close to dying, and he called his fifty-four sons to hi...2002•524 pages - #4
Save:A fascinating and accessible look at a pivotal Canadian figure - history told with style, personality, and plenty of food for thought. Well worth reading for anyone open to learning through comics.
Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography by Chester Brown delves into the life of Louis Riel, a controversial Canadian political figure and leader of the Metis in the 1800s. The book portrays Riel's struggles with the Canadian government, his involvement in rebellions, and his complex persona, including his religious visions and political ideals. Chester Brown's use of dialogue and expressive yet minimalist artwork brings Riel's story to life, offering a unique and engaging narrative of a pivotal figure in Canadian history.
2003•284 pages - #5
Save:A classic, rollicking adventure that’s both entertaining and influential, but its outdated attitudes and slow start may not suit everyone. Worth reading as a piece of literary history - just be prepared to take some of the old-school perspectives with a grain of salt.
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle follows Professor Challenger leading an expedition to a hidden world on a plateau in South America where dinosaurs and cavemen coexist. The story is described as a fun and adventurous yarn with elements of exploration, dinosaurs, fierce battles, and scientific debates. The writing style is noted to be engaging, with vivid scenes and memorable characters, offering a mix of humor, excitement, and wonder.
Mr. Hungerton, her father, really was the most tactless person upon earth, — a fluffy, feathery, untidy cockatoo of a man, perfectly good-natured, but absolutely centered upon his own silly self. If a...1900•165 pages - #6
Save:An atmospheric and richly crafted fantasy with deep lore, complex characters, and high stakes. It takes patience, but rewards readers who love immersive worlds and nuanced, unpredictable stories.
The City of Brass is a fantasy novel set in a world of Devas and Djinn, following the journey of Nahri, a young girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates through complex politics, magic, and society. The plot unfolds in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting, where Nahri discovers her heritage and connection to the magical beings, while facing challenges of power, intrigue, and romance in a richly detailed world filled with historical and supernatural elements.
Nahri smiled behind her veil, watching the two men bicker as they approached her stall. The younger one glanced anxiously down the alley while the older man—her client—sweated in the cool dawn air. Sa...November 2017•562 pages - #7
Save:A foundational steampunk classic that’s fast-paced, imaginative, and reflective - ideal for fans of alternate history, but may feel dated or underdeveloped for some.
'The Warlord of the Air' by Michael Moorcock is a steampunk novel set in an alternate history where airships dominate the world. The story follows Oswald Bastable, a man transported from 1902 British India to a 1973 world still under the rule of imperial superpowers. Initially enamored by the seemingly perfect state of this world, Bastable soon realizes the harsh reality of exploitation and imperialism that underpins the utopia. The narrative mixes timelines and historical figures, creating a unique storytelling experience that immerses the reader in a world full of airships and political intrigue.
In the spring of 1903, on the advice of my physician, I had occasion to visit that remote and beautiful fragment of land in the middle of the Indian Ocean which I shall call Rowe Island. I had been ov...January 1971•184 pages - #8
Save:A sharp, passionate, and eye-opening critique of US foreign policy that’s approachable and thought-provoking - still relevant today for anyone interested in the forces shaping our world.
'Against Empire' by Michael Parenti details the way the West has manufactured a perfect system for the exploitation of the third world, enriching the Western Capitalist class at the expense of the rest of the world, forcing them into poverty with no way out. The book provides a real and raw perspective on global economy and U.S.A. foreign politics, moving beyond the spin of vested interests to give a crystal clear perspective on imperialism and its impact on underdeveloped nations. Parenti does a wonderful job of explaining how America habitually selects the type of society people in a country will live under, supporting leaders that serve American interests, while keeping underdeveloped nations stagnant through institutional obstacles imposed by imperialism.
Imperialism has been the most powerful force in world history over the last four or five centuries, carving up whole continents while oppressing indigenous peoples and obliterating entire civilization...May 1995•229 pages Richly detailed, balanced, and highly readable - this is a definitive look at the Opium Wars and their ongoing impact. Perfect for curious minds eager to understand the roots of modern China’s worldview, but less ideal for those craving just battlefield blow-by-blow.
'The Opium War: Drugs, Dreams and the Making of Modern China' by Julia Lovell provides a detailed and well-researched overview of the Opium War, including its causes, key military engagements, and diplomatic negotiations that led to the Treaty of Nanjing. The author delves into the complex relationship between Britain and China during this period, highlighting how the trade deficit led to the supply of Opium by Britain and the lucrative nature of the drug in China. Lovell explores the cultural clash between the Qing dynasty and the British, shedding light on the political, military, and economic aspects of the conflict. The writing style is engaging and informative, offering a blend of scholarly research and entertaining storytelling.
On 8 November 2010, the British prime minister, David Cameron, led a substantial embassy to China. He was accompanied by four of his most senior ministers, and fifty or so high-ranking executives, all...2011•486 pagesChallenging, prescient, and packed with insights, Blowback is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the unintended consequences of American power abroad - even if you don’t agree with every point.
'Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire' by Chalmers Johnson is a thought-provoking analysis of American foreign policy, particularly focusing on East Asia and the unintended consequences of American intervention in other countries. The author challenges conventional thinking, labeling America as an empire and highlighting the difficulties the country faces in transitioning from its Cold War role to a more equal partnership with Asia. Johnson's writing style is described as informative, instructive, and accurate, providing a critical examination of America's military presence around the world and its impact on global public opinion.
Instead of demobilizing after the Cold War, the United States imprudently committed itself to maintaining a global empire. This book is an account of the resentments our policies have built up and of...March 2000•289 pages
