In an Antique Land by Amitav Ghosh

“In an Antique Land” is a non-fiction book by Amitav Ghosh, an Indian author known for his works in fiction and non-fiction. The book, published in 1992, combines elements of travelogue, history, and anthropology.

The narrative of “In an Antique Land” is framed by Ghosh’s experiences as he travels to a remote village in Egypt as part of his anthropological research. The book intertwines contemporary observations with historical narratives, drawing connections between the author’s present-day encounters and the medieval trade between the Middle East and India.

A notable aspect of the book is its exploration of the life of a 12th-century Jewish merchant from Egypt, Abraham Ben Yiju, whose documents Ghosh discovered in the Cairo Geniza, a storeroom for worn-out Hebrew books and manuscripts.

Ghosh’s work in “In an Antique Land” goes beyond typical travel writing, offering a unique blend of personal reflection, historical exploration, and cross-cultural connections. The book has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its examination of the interconnectedness of cultures across time.