Book review
The noted controversial writer investigates the ways of so-called eminent historians. He argues that such people have captured institutions, dominated discourse. He also shows up their line and their fraud. He also suggests what should be done.

Can you walk off with six lakh seventy five thousand and not submit a thing in return? The eminent historian can. Can you promise to produce six volumes on Economic History, get a governmental institution to disburse the dough, produce nothing; have the project disappear from the radar-screen, and just a while later get the same institution to fork out another nineteen lakhs and still produce nothing. Eminent historian can.

Can you steal the work of a distinguished authority, get a PhD on it, publish it as your own and all the while keep in your office a photograph of your presenting that stolen book to the President of India? An eminent historian can.These and many such other examples - often provocative - form the center stage of the investigation undertaken by the author to expose those who pass off as eminent historians.


About the author Mr. Arun Shourie, a Rajya Sabha member and among India's best known commentators on current and political affairs. His writings are backed by rigorous analysis and meticulous research. He has been an economist with the World Bank, a consultant in the planning commision and the editor of Indian Express. Among the many honours and awards, he has received the Magsaysay Award, the International Editor of the Year, the Dadabhai Naoroji and the Astor Award.