<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Nice try, but....
Review: If you are one of those who appreciate sweeping generalizations, unsubstantiated declarations, and retrospective morality this is the book for you. One has to give Trocki credit for a concerted effort, and it is clear that he chases his mission with a vengeance. The thesis is controversial to say the least: "Without opium there would have been no British Empire." Many will be turned off by such a bombastic declaration, and, knowing this, Trocki does go in with all guns blazing. But no question, he shoots wide of the mark.Besides the simple question of layout and direction of argument (which does not support the declared thesis) there are out-of-context and simply wrong quotations both of secondary authors and his own primary sources. Trocki makes extensive use of sarcastic remarks to drive home is own (presumably Marxist) political views and they can really irritate, especially when he is factually wrong. Trocki is not a historian but has tried his hand at historical research, and from this point alone he certainly made a poor impression. To be fair, some of his later chapters are thoroughly interesting, as they concentrate on the author's own research area of South East Asia where he has undeniable expertise. Also, unless you reject post-modern historiography out of hand, it is always interesting to see a scholar attempt to create an entire weltbild out of his research and tie it in to other major developments worldwide. Personally, I think this is what historical research should be about. Trocki, however, could easily have damaged the entire budding genre with this book. If you want to read about British-Indian opium production, stick with Singh, or better yet, Amar Farooqui's new book 'Smuggling as Subversion.'
<< 1 >>
| 
