The Honourable Company by John Keay

“The Honourable Company: A History of the English East India Company” is a book written by John Keay. It was first published in 1991 and provides a comprehensive history of the East India Company, which was one of the most influential and powerful trading companies in the world during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The book traces the origins of the East India Company, which was founded in 1600 as a joint-stock company with the aim of establishing a profitable trade in the East Indies. Keay explores the company’s early struggles and successes, including its role in establishing British trade in India and the establishment of key trading posts and alliances with local rulers.

The book also delves into the political and cultural impact of the East India Company, including its involvement in the Opium Wars and the eventual colonization of India. Keay explores the Company’s relationship with the Indian people and the impact of British imperialism on the subcontinent.

Overall, “The Honourable Company” provides a comprehensive and engaging history of one of the most influential and controversial companies in world history, shedding light on the political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the modern world.