Description
By John Lang. Discover the dramatic rise of one of the most influential and controversial figures of the British Empire in this vivid account of war, ambition, and empire-building in eighteenth-century India.
In The Story of Lord Clive, author John Lang recounts the extraordinary life of Robert Clive, better known as Lord Clive, whose military and political achievements played a decisive role in establishing British power in India. Combining adventure, biography, and imperial history, this classic narrative transports readers into the turbulent world of the East India Company during a period of intense rivalry, warfare, and political transformation.
The story follows Clive from his troubled youth in England to his arrival in India as a clerk in the service of the East India Company. Amid conflict between European powers and Indian rulers, Clive emerged as a daring military leader whose victories altered the balance of power across the Indian subcontinent. Readers witness dramatic campaigns, sieges, political intrigues, and battlefield triumphs, including the famous Battle of Plassey, which became a turning point in the growth of British rule in India.
Lang’s engaging storytelling captures both the excitement and complexity of the age, presenting a portrait of a man driven by courage, ambition, and determination. At the same time, the narrative offers readers insight into the beginnings of Britain’s imperial expansion in India and the profound historical consequences that followed.
Written in a lively and accessible style, The Story of Lord Clive introduces readers to one of the defining personalities of eighteenth-century imperial history. More than a biography, it is a window into the dramatic origins of British India and the forces that reshaped the modern world.
This carefully restored reprint revives a fascinating historical classic for modern readers. Ideal for students, lovers of military and imperial history, and readers interested in India and the British Empire, it remains a compelling journey into the age of empire and conquest.
About the author: John Lang (1816–1864) was an Australian-born lawyer, journalist, traveler, and novelist who spent many years living and working in colonial India. Known for his writings on India and British imperial society, he authored numerous historical and literary works and became one of the earliest Australian novelists to gain international recognition.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Clive’s Boyhood
Chapter 2: Clive goes to India
Chapter 3: The Siege of Arcot
Chapter 4: Kaveripak and Samiaveram
Chapter 5: The Black Hole of Calcutta
Chapter 6: The Battle of Plassey
Chapter 7: Clive’s End
