This is the story of the author's "ridiculous" quest for a legendary hedge planted across the Indian sub-continent and manned and cared for by 12,000 men. The hedge stood for over 50 years and at its greatest extent, formed part of a barrier 2500 miles long. Although it is one of the largest man-made constructions in human-history, the hedge appears in no history books and remains forgotten in both Britain and India. This inspired Roy Moxham to travel to India and investigate whether it had existed, what its purpose had been and whether any part of it had remained. After several years of travel and research, the author finally unravelled the story behind the hedge, its place within commercial enterprise on the part of the Raj and, after much searching, the remnants of this folie de grandeur of imperial Britain. This book provides a view into the motivations and administrations of British Imperial India and in part tells the story of one man's obsession.
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About the Author:
Roy Moxham was born and brought up in Evesham in Worcestershire. He has been an art gallery owner, book and paper conservator, and been in charge of conservation at the University of London Library. He is also the author of the Brief History of Tea also published by Robinson.
Review:
Both scholarly and funny - a rare combination, It surprised me and I hugely enjoyed it.
The Great Hedge is part history, part detective story, part travel book. Above all, it's a great read.―Mail on Sunday
Moxham has written a parable at once light-handed and melancholy about the cruelty and folly fo the empire.―Financial Times
Moxham has pulled out a jewel.―The Times
Marvellous....Moxham sets out to find the remnants of this qunitessentially English folly, writing an affectionate and scholarly narrative'.―Observer
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherConstable Publishers
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 1841192600
- ISBN 13 9781841192604
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages240
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Rating