After Tamerlane

“A great work, a book that goes truly global in chronicling the history of one of our abiding concerns: the pull and limitations of absolute power.” ―St. Petersburg Times

Tamerlane, the Ottomans, the Mughals, the Manchus, the British, the Japanese, the Nazis, and the Soviets: All built empires meant to last forever; all were to fail. But, as John Darwin shows in this magisterial book, their empire-building created the world we know today.

From the death of Tamerlane in 1405, to America's rise to world “hyperpower,” to the resurgence of China and India as global economic powers, After Tamerlane is a grand historical narrative that offers a new perspective on the past, present, and future of empires.

“Marvellously illuminating . . . Darwin sustains an intricate thesis with enormous panache.” ―Independent (UK )

“Elegant and brilliant. . . . wonderful and imaginative . . . a deeply significant book.” ―Sunday Times (UK )