Christopher Bayly's global perspective on the actions of states, the diverse manifestations of social orders, religions, and ways of life astonishingly illustrates how closely the development of Europe was linked to events in other parts of the world even in the 19th century. "A bold move that is capable of breaking entrenched viewpoints." Johannes Willms, Süddeutsche Zeitung. "This work creates a new image of history; how many books can claim that?" Frankfurter Rundschau. Awarded "Historical Book of the Year" by the magazine DAMALS. Recognized by H-Soz-u-Kult as "The Historical Book 2007" in the category "Entangled History.".