Rebels Against the Raj

'Explores the largely forgotten story of seven white-skinned rebels who fought for India's freedom ... Guha threads together these lives in a narrative of startling originality. He recently told Outlook magazine that he had never enjoyed writing a book as much as this one, and his excitement at discovering a forgotten chapter of Indian history is contagious. What is remarkable is how important these rebels were. They weren't just minor allies of the freedom movement, but historical figures whose decisions shaped the histories of both Britain and India ... remembering them is important. Guha's book emphasises that Britain's culture wars are not new: that empire was as controversial then as it is now, and that many Britons risked their lives for its downfall. And it shows that the daughter of an imperial naval officer could become one of empire's most important and vocal opponents. As discussions of Britain's colonial legacy become increasingly polarised, we are in ever more need of nuanced books like this one' Sam Dalrymple, Spectator 'Brits and Americans who joined India's struggle against British rule are remembered in this vibrant historical study ... Guha's elegantly written group portrait ably conveys the passion and idealism of the Gandhian independence movement and its hold over the Western imagination' Publishers Weekly 'Compelling mini biographies of a group of fighters for Indian independence who were born outside India but were fiercely devoted to the cause ... An inspiring education tool for those researching India and non-violent independence movements' Kirkus Reviews