Prof (Dr) Renu Nanda
Book: `Historical Perspectives` by Pascal Alan Nazareth Retd. Ambassador Indian Foreign Service published by Konark Publishers, Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi, 2024
After 35 years of foreign travels as Ambassador Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Pascal Alan Nazareth retired on 30 April 1994 and decided to dedicate his post- retirement life to reviving Gandhian ideals by researching, writing and lecturing about them. Later in early February 1995 Mr. Nazareth received a formal invitation from Radisson Seven Seas Cruises to deliver lectures on its Wellington (New Zealand-Southampton UK Cruise and hence this started a new chapter of his lecture series on cruise completing 35 lecture cruises from Edinburgh (Scotland) to Wellington (New Zealand) and from Kobe (Japan) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). His lecture series are as diverse as the regions of Asia and Europe. As suggested by many cruisers, 20 of the most appreciated lectures were compiled into DVD format in 2005 titled `Historical Perspectives of Asia` and `Historical Perspectives of Europe`. This book is spread over 285 pages divided in two parts: Part I is about Asia Lectures and Part II covers Europe Lectures. Asia Lectures describe Understanding India, The Spiritual Heritage of India, The Mughal Contribution to India, Gandhi: The Non-Violent Revolutionary, Southeast Asia in the Crossroads of History, Trade and Maritime Rivalry in the Indian Ocean, Fundamentals of Islam and Islamic Fundamentalism, The Cultural Heritage of China, Japan: The Sacred Isles and India, Britain and America. Europe Lectures are about The Great Naval Battles of the Mediterranean, The Greatness and Tragedy of Greece, The Olympic Games, The Legacy of Rome, The Rise and Fall of Venice, Portugal`s Three-Continent, Five-Century Empire, Spain, Europe and the World, Napoleon`s Impact on History, Ireland: The Emerald Isle and Islam and Europe.
The book actually encapsulates the interesting histories and stories of the people and ancient civilizations across Eurasia and oceans beyond, the destruction of some economies and cultures of different countries colonized by imperial powers, tales from Napoleon to Nippon, examined personalities like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Mark Twain, Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Gandhi, panoramic view of the intricate tapestry of humans across Asia and Europe.
The author has appeared to have made a serious attempt to bring forth very succinctly the purpose of writing this interesting and informative book. This book is a must -read for all history enthusiasts, students, scholars and for those interested in exploring the wonders of ancient civilizations.
The book is amazingly enriched with inclusion of personal photographs, showcasing the author’s experiences and interactions with various cultures, which have given a personal touch, authenticity and an immersive experience for the reader. These personal accounts of the author and his wife being welcomed in different styles, as well as interactions with the locals, such as dancing with Maori women in New Zealand add a great deal of delightful personal touch to the narratives. This further adds to the reader’s experience and somehow takes the reader along in the journey with the help of these photographs.
It is a compelling read and a page turner that engrosses a reader with all it’s thought- provoking narratives.
The appendices are included and the bibliography includes several books, articles, papers and related references. It is a true masterpiece and a great source of expanding the knowledge, ultimately making this book an excellent addition to the library of a voracious reader and a history buff.
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