"Howarth tells some hair-raising tales from the maiden voyage of the Company ship Peppercorn. Packed with tales, as well as gruesome accounts of clashes between rival traders in the east."--Dan Jones, Times (UK) " Adventurers is essential reading."--Dan Jones, Times (UK) "[Adventurers] details the early years of what would become the world's biggest corporation.By no means a defence of the empire, this dizzying work makes its emergence all the more remarkable."--Daniel Brooks, Sunday Telegraph "Howarth's study [is] quite different from its rivals, and overflowing with surprises."--William Dalrymple, The Spectator "The history of the East India Company is so often read backwards. This wonderfully well-written book restores its early development to its true context--it is, like cold water in a desert, the picture for which we've gasped.

"--James Evans, author of Merchant Adventurers "Fascinating and authoritative. David Howarth weaves a rich and rewarding tapestry of the uncertain, often chaotic development of the company, moving with style from London to Southeast Asia, and amassing a colourful cast list of princes, merchants and politicians. Adventurers will become the standard book on the subject, and deservedly so."--Jerry Brotton, author of This Orient Isle "Howarth's keen eye for intrigue weaves together a tale of commercial competition and imperial ambition that carries us from the Tudor court to the coasts of Japan. Adventurers is a quick-paced romp through the chaotic early history of Britain's most infamous corporation."--Edmond Smith, author of Merchants.