• The Story of India

  • By: Michael Wood
  • Narrated by: Sam Dastor
  • Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (458 ratings)

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The Story of India  By  cover art

The Story of India

By: Michael Wood
Narrated by: Sam Dastor
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Publisher's summary

A companion to the major six-part BBC TV series, written by Michael Wood and read by Sam Dastor.

Michael Wood weaves a spellbinding narrative out of the 10,000-year history of India. Home today to more than a fifth of the world's population, the subcontinent gave birth to the oldest and most influential civilization on Earth, to four world religions, and to the world's largest democracy. Now, as India bids to become a global giant, Michael sets out to trace the roots of India's present in the incredible riches of her past.

©2007 Michael Wood (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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What listeners say about The Story of India

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
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  • 4 Stars
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Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

It's a story not a history

Once you realize that this is a "story" and not a "history" of India it goes along quite well. It is the story told through a combination of references to India's ancient literature, archaeology, interviews and a bit of scholarly writing. It took me a while to get my head around the fact that I wasn't listening to what I would strictly call a history book, but it was a good introduction to a subject that I knew nothing about--and now know a bit more about.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous, sweeping journey through India's history

This is one of my all time favorites. I started with the audiobook, then bought the paperback and the DVD set! Michael Wood's tremendous enthusiasm for the subject and the narrator's delightful British accent and perfect pronunciation of Indian names and places adds to the trip like a wonderful guide adds to a real journey. Considering that India will soon be the most populated country on Earth and will soon surpass the GDP of the US, it behooves all of us to know more about the subcontinent. This is so much more than a litany of facts; it is exuberant with the colors, tastes, smells, gardens and incredible longevity of this fascinating country's history. Pure joy from start to finish; now I must save money to go there myself and visit the places mentioned in the book. But if I never make it there, this is surely the next best thing!

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21 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • CB
  • 07-27-09

Superb!

I agree with the previous reviewer, this is a wonderful piece of work for someone interested in the history of India. The DVD is also exceptionally well done. It is colorful and very interesting and engaging, covering spiritual and political aspects. India is a fascinating country and this is a great overview. It is educational without being boring -- Michael Wood does such a good job. I've listened to it several times and enjoyed it each time.
All in all, an listening excellent choice for non-fiction.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

scattered, before coming together at the end

Great narration and some interesting stories, but very difficult to follow the chronology and geography. Perhaps this is an audio book where you just need an ancient map at your side to really follow what the author is saying.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Thorough

This is really about the history of India. It's not a travelogue. I bought it in preparation for our trip to India and it was not exactly what I had in mind. But it is a very well written book and it's fun to listen to. I'll probably give it another try (I stopped 3/4 of the way through) now that we're back and I have some context for it.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An Execellent Analysis of India

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend the book. The author has subtly intertwined the past as well as the present of India with perfection. It takes us on a journey called INDIA, painting the canvas with its rich history & enlightening the reader with the diverse aspects of the nation and finally closing the masterpiece with the present.

It a great work, which makes the reader (or listener) well acquainted with the history, culture & the political situation of India both in the past as well as the present.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Story of India?

The exploration of the Indian political scenario at the time of Independence & the secret delicate affairs of the fore-front Indian leaders. In addition, the author has also appropriately analyzed the current sociopolitical situation of India in the new millennium.

What does Sam Dastor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sam Dastor's voice modulation along with appropriate emotional touches at the right places, has made the listening pure joy.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many such moments...

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to those persons who have a passion for World History or interested in India.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Way beyond dates and facts!

A compelling and entertaining compilation of history, geography, geology, genetics, anthropology, religion and linguists. Reaches back to the beginning of modern man and reaches forward to the end of the Raj. Depth and breadth, beauty and horror. A great survey of the sub-continent.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging

This is a lovingly told overview of India’s history, touching on the interactions of geography, geology and cultures. As with all good introductions, it leaves you wanting more.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Difficult to listen to

I found this difficult to listen to. The combination of the unfamiliar Indian place and individuals' names along with the narrator's British pronunciation (Him-alya instead of the American Him-a-lAya) was disconcerting. The audible book did make me want to read the physical book, though.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

isn't this optional?

bad..very boring I find. don't recommend if your goal is to understand India better. it's just a bunch of disjointed stories..

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3 people found this helpful