Libraries Of Leaders: A List From The Authors Of Koh-i-Noor, William Dalrymple And Anita Anand

In their new book, Koh-i-noor: The Story of the World’s Most Infamous Diamond, authors William Dalrymple and Anita Anand uncover the true history of what is perhaps the world’s most infamous gem. The narrative that emerges is not just a back story of the Kohinoor but also a story of extreme violence involving a number of remarkable men and women who died as a consequence of either possessing or wanting to possess the jewel.

And what do the author-historian Dalrymple and journalist-turned-author Anita Anand themselves turn to for inspiration? At the launch of the book in Mumbai recently, the authors shared their book recommendations with BloombergQuint.

William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple is best known for his historical narratives. He wrote his first book In Xanadu: A Quest aged all of 22. The award-winning book retraces the steps of Portuguese explorer Marco Polo’s journey from Jerusalem to Xanadu, the summer seat of Mongol emperor Kubla Khan. It is considered one of the finest examples of travel writing in English. Dalrymple himself undertook to the journey while on a summer break whilst in college.

He has such titles as the City Of Djinns, The Last Mughal, and White Mughals under his belt. In fact, the latter half of the Mughal period leading up to the establishment of the British Raj is the part of Indian history that appeals to Dalrymple the most, he said.

Why did he take up writing? Simple, because it was the only thing he was good at, is the author’s frank admission. Here are some of his favourite reads.

1. In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin

The book describes the author’s travels through the rugged and desolate but breathtakingly beautiful frontier province in Argentina. The narrative is anecdotal and humourous.

2. The Fall Of Constantinople 1453 by Sir Steve Runciman

The book tells the story of the siege of the great Byzantine city by the Turkish army; its transformation from the seat of Greek art and culture to the Imperial capital of Turkish empire.

3. The Road To Oxiana by Robert Byron

The book narrates the author’s journey through the Middle East to the region of Oxiana on the Afghan-Soviet border. Written in the 1930s, the book is important from an architectural standpoint for its vivid description, while also being a brilliant travelogue.

Anita Anand

Anita Anand is a print and broadcast journalist-turned-author who has worked with Zee Television and BBC Radio, and written for publications such as The Guardian and India Today. Kohinoor is her second book and another title is in the works. Here are some of her favourite books.

1. Albert Speer: His Battle With Truth by Gitta Sereny

The book chronicles the life of the Nazi German architect and armaments minister Albert Speer. Though he was one of the few people to express guilt and remorse at the Nuremberg trials, Speer maintained he was unaware of what would happen to the Jews. According to Anand, the painstakingly-researched book peels away the several layers of the individual to arrive at the truth.

2. Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures Of A Trailing Spouse by Brigid Keenan

Narrated through the eyes of the wife of a career diplomat, the books tells the story of a roller-coaster ride through several postings. It describes diplomatic niceties, the trials and tribulations, and joys and sorrows of life in different countries, in a voice that is humorous and tongue-in-cheek.