213. How Three Wise Men Became Three Kings (Ep 2)
Empire
William Dalrymple & Anita Anand
In the world of historical storytelling, few are as compelling and accomplished as William Dalrymple and Anita Anand.William Dalrymple, a celebrated British historian, has illuminated the pages of history with his award-winning books, such as White Mughals, The Last Mughal, and Return of a King. His most recent triumph, The Anarchy, examines the spectacular rise and fall of the East India Company.
Dalrymple's talet extends beyond writing; he has created and presented multiple television series, earning a BAFTA for his efforts. His tireless exploration of historical narratives and his co-founding of the Jaipur Literature Festival earned him the prestigious President's Medal from the British Academy.
Anita Anand, a renowned British journalist and presenter, started her career as a news editor and quickly established herself as a formidable voice in the media. Her work on the BBC's Drive slot and Daily Politics show is much admired. Still, her ability to untangle complex narratives truly shines in her written work. Anand's books, including Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary, and The Patient Assassin: A True Tale of Massacre, Revenge and the Raj, showcase her talent for breathing life into historical characters and events.
In 2022, these two powerhouses joined forces to create Empire. This podcast intricately weaves their expertise, passion, and storytelling talent to spotlight the fascinating empires of the past. Drawing on their rich backgrounds in history and journalism, they bring to the fore the intriguing, often controversial, influences of political and economic powers. Together, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand form an unmatched duo, providing fascinating insights and making history come alive.
Dalrymple and Anand bring history to life in an entertaining and educational way. A true journey through history. Please keep bringing this great content!
As a history junkie, Empire is like a time machine ride I can’t resist. It’s like a grand tour of history’s greatest hits! Empires rising, falling, all the juicy details! Anand and Dalrymple? Total history rockstars!
A brilliant journey through time. Each season has got me hooked. Excellent and much-needed perspective on slavery through times. Thanks, William and Anita, for putting out this pod! Absolutely recommend this listening!
Like a time machine with a fun touch. It takes you on a joyride through history, exploring the rise and fall of great empires. It’s like being in a history masterclass, just without the boring bits.
hi,
i’m from malaysia & i have been listening/following to this podcast series for few months too. i have even promoted the podcast to my friends & relatives as we are quite avid readers of history especially that’s related to the british colonial era.
may i request that an episode is also made about the indians that have been sent to malaysia / singapore / hong kong (the 3 countries that i have resided in too) as there is a good, long, history of them too.’
tks & kind regards, -nik
loving the lively way history is explored and the guests add to the experience, but is there a reading list to go with the episodes to explore further?
Please tell Mr Dalrymple that Zeeland is not an island in Denmark, but one of the two coastal provinces of the Dutch Republic in the 17th Century, the other being Holland. The Zeelanders, although few in number, were avid seafarers, especially in South America and the Pacific. New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, and Eeaster Island are among the best known of their discoveries. Nieuw Zeeland was originally named Stateneiland by Tasman, because he thought it was connected to Stateneiland in South America ( Isla de los Estados); it was rebaptised in 1643 and named after Zeeland. ‘Captain Cook’ called it New Zealand a century later.
The Danish island is called Seeland.
‘Empire’ is sustained by William Dalrymple’s deep knowledge of, and fascination with the East. But Anita Anand’s shrill wokism grates after a while. I don’t know if it has improved. I gave up listening after about 30 episodes.