In Spite Of The Gods

India is poised to become one of the worlds three largest economies in the next generation and to overtake China as the worlds most populous country by 2032. Well before then Indias incipient nuclear deterrent will have acquired intercontinental range and air, sea and land capabilities. Indias volatile relationship with its nuclear-armed neighbour, Pakistan, may prove to be the source of the worlds next major conflict. And if you call anyone- from your bank to rail enquiries- your query may well be dealt with by a graduate in Gujarat. Any way one looks at it, Indias fate matters. Edward Luce, one of the most incisive and talented journalists of his generation, assesses the forces that are forging the new nation. Cutting through the miasma that still clouds thinking about India, this extraordinarily accomplished book takes the measure of a society that is struggling to come to grips with modernity. Drawing on historical research, existing literature and his own unparalleled access as the New Delhi-based, South Asia correspondent of the FT, this is a book that will enthral as well as educate and will remain the definitive book on the country for many years.