Ep 108: Accidental Politicians

This book is a romp through the first year in office of well-meaning, slightly-baffled Prime Minister Jim Hacker and his civil service advisors, Sir Humphrey Appleby and Bernard Wooley. It takes the form of transcribed recordings, diary entries, private letters, and explanatory footnotes, offering a satirical look at British politics.

Written during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar fort, 'The Discovery of India' is a monumental treatise that examines Indian history, philosophy, art, religion, science, economy, society, and movements. Nehru starts from ancient Indian history, including the Indus Valley Civilization, and moves through the Vedic era, the Upanishads, the epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, and notable figures such as the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. The book provides a broad view of Indian culture and history, reflecting Nehru's deep knowledge and personal insights into the nation's development and its struggle for independence.

Written between 1930-1933 while Nehru was imprisoned by the British, 'Glimpses of World History' is a panoramic sweep of human history. The letters, written without access to reference books or a library, cover the rise and fall of great empires and civilizations, including Greece, Rome, China, and West Asia. The book also discusses significant figures such as Ashoka, Genghis Khan, Gandhi, and Lenin, and touches on wars, revolutions, democracies, and dictatorships. Nehru's aim was to provide a broad and non-Eurocentric view of history, reflecting his own world view and grasp of historical events. The book is comparable to H.G. Wells' 'The Outline of History' and is praised for its breadth and insight into human history.

This book, based on the popular BBC series, humorously explores the challenges faced by a cabinet minister as he navigates the complexities of British politics. It offers a witty critique of governmental procedures and the power struggles between elected officials and bureaucrats.