Maya Jasanoff Knihy

ich Jasanoff draws connections to the present. Her graceful prose and insightful storytelling make this work a pleasure to read. Jasanoff's exploration of Conrad's life and work reveals the contradictions within empires and the resistance to them, showcasing her boundless curiosity and empathy for both Conrad and the victims of imperialism. This biography not only recounts Conrad's journey but also reflects a significant phase in world history, highlighting themes of dislocation, connection, immigration, and power dynamics that resonate with contemporary issues. The narrative is rich with cross-connections, capturing the human experience in a poetic manner that blurs the lines between Conrad's magic and her own. Jasanoff's skillful integration of biographical details with literary analysis serves as a powerful encouragement to revisit Conrad's novels. Her warmth towards her subject shines through, making this a compelling read that stands out among previous studies of Conrad. This book is a vivid and suggestive portrayal that invites readers to engage with the complexities of both the author and the world he inhabited, ultimately positioning Conrad's relevance for the 21st century.

Talented historian Maya Jasanoff offers an alternative history of the British Empire. It is not about conquest - but rather a collection of startling and fascinating personal accounts of cross-cultural exchange from those who found themselves on the edges of Empire.