William Dalrymple's name is synonymous with the very best writing on India; his books are all bestsellers that have astounded the critics and won numerous awards An exciting new direction that will appeal beyond Dalrymple's usual market; Dalrymple writes regularly for the national papers and is an extremely high-profile travel writer and historian Published as a lead summer paperback, publication will be marked with advertising to appeal to all fans of Dalrymple and those who have yet to discover his writing

'His most ambitious yet, taking the reader into lurid, scarcely imaginable worlds of mysticism ... Dalrymple has an inimitable way of conjuring the Indian landscape' Financial Times 'This is travel writing at its best. I hope it sparks a revival' Observer 'Beautifully written, ridiculously erudite, warm and open-hearted ... A towering talent' The Times 'A blend of travelogue, ethnography, oral history and reportage, Nine Lives is compelling and poignant' Guardian