William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple is a British historian and writer, known for his works on the history and culture of India and the Islamic world. He has authored several acclaimed books, including 'City of Djinns', 'The Last Mughal', and 'The Anarchy'. Dalrymple is also a co-founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. In Xanadu

    A Quest

    "In Xanadu" is a travelogue that follows the journey of a young historian and writer as he retraces Marco Polo's route from Jerusalem to the fabled city of Xanadu in Mongolia. Along the way, the author weaves together a rich tapestry of history and adventure, engaging with diverse cultures and landscapes. His travels take him through the Middle East, South Asia, and into the heart of China, offering insights into the complex interplay between past and present, and the enduring allure of one of history's most legendary journeys. The narrative is as much a personal coming-of-age story as it is a homage to the spirit of exploration and discovery.

    The 6407th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Golden Road

    The Golden Road examines how India, in the ancient and early medieval periods, exported religion, art, science, mathematics and institutions across Eurasia—from Afghanistan to Japan. It traces the movements of merchants, scholars, artisans and missionaries to show India’s role as a central economic and cultural hub shaping civilizations such as Angkor and Ayutthaya.

    The 7633rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Anarchy

    The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

    The book provides a detailed account of the rise of the East India Company and its transformation from a modest trading enterprise into a powerful, quasi-governmental force that played a pivotal role in shaping the history of India. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, it explores the complex interplay of commerce, politics, and warfare that allowed a private company to conquer vast territories and exert control over millions of people. The narrative delves into the personalities, battles, and strategies that defined this period, shedding light on the broader implications of corporate power and colonialism.

    The 8060th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Last Mughal

    The Fall of a Dynasty, Delhi, 1857

    Set against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this historical narrative delves into the final days of the Mughal Empire, focusing on the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. The story captures the tumultuous period when the British East India Company tightened its grip on India, leading to a violent uprising. Through a rich tapestry of personal accounts, letters, and historical documents, the book paints a vivid picture of a city in chaos, the cultural and political upheaval, and the tragic downfall of a once-great dynasty, offering a poignant reflection on the end of an era and the beginning of British colonial rule.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. The Age Of Kali

    Indian Travels and Encounters

    A collection of vivid travel reportage from the Indian subcontinent in the late 20th century, portraying a region riven by communal violence, political upheaval and social decay while capturing the lives of ordinary people caught in crises—from militant insurgencies and military rule to refugee crises and criminal underworlds. Through eyewitness scenes and interviews, the book sketches how ideological extremism, corrupt institutions and historical grievances reshape communities and daily life, yet also highlights moments of resilience, humor and human complexity amid chaos.

    The 17126th Greatest Book of All Time
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