The First Firangis by Jonathan Gil Harris uncovers a lively and surprising history of the foreigners who shaped, and were shaped by, India. Through vivid storytelling, the book brings together heroes, healers, charlatans, courtesans, and other remarkable figures who crossed cultures and made India their own.
Part history, part character study, this engaging read explores identity, migration, and belonging in a fresh, accessible way. Readers who enjoy thought-provoking non-fiction will find The First Firangis rich with unusual lives, memorable anecdotes, and a broader look at the many ways India has been imagined and inhabited across time.
