'Oneof the most exciting narrative historiesto come out of India.' William Dalrymple
It was a scandal thatrocked the highest echelons of the British Raj. In 1891, a notorious jewellerand curio dealer from Simla offered to sell the world's largest brilliant-cutdiamond to the fabulously wealthy Nizam of Hyderabad. If the audacious dealsucceeded it would set the merchant up for life. But the transaction wenthorribly wrong. The Nizam accused him of fraud, triggering a sensational trialin the Calcutta High Court that made headlines around the world.
The dealer was AlexanderMalcolm Jacob, a man of mysterious origins. After arriving penniless in Bombayin 1865, he became the most famous purveyor of precious stones in princelyIndia, and a confidante of Viceroys and Maharajas. Jacob also excelled in themagical arts. He inspired all those who met him, including Rudyard Kipling whoimmortalised him as Lurgan Sahib, the 'healer of sick pearls', in his novel Kim.
Now for the first time,John Zubrzycki, author of The Last Nizam, conveys the page-turningcolour, romance and adventure of Jacob's astonishing life. Starting on thebanks of the Tigris in modern-day Turkey where Jacob was born, Zubrzycki stripsaway the myths and legends. He follows Jacob's journey from the slums ofBombay, to the fabulous court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, from thehedonistic heights of Simla, the summer capital of the Raj, to the CalcuttaHigh Court. This is a story of India, of strange twists and unexpectedoutcomes. Most importantly Zubrzycki enters into and truly captures the spiritof the mysterious Mr Jacob, one of the most enigmatic and charismatic figuresof his time.
'Oneof the most exciting narrative historiesto come out of India.' William Dalrymple
It was a scandal thatrocked the highest echelons of the British Raj. In 1891, a notorious jewellerand curio dealer from Simla offered to sell the world's largest brilliant-cutdiamond to the fabulously wealthy Nizam of Hyderabad. If the audacious dealsucceeded it would set the merchant up for life. But the transaction wenthorribly wrong. The Nizam accused him of fraud, triggering a sensational trialin the Calcutta High Court that made headlines around the world.
The dealer was AlexanderMalcolm Jacob, a man of mysterious origins. After arriving penniless in Bombayin 1865, he became the most famous purveyor of precious stones in princelyIndia, and a confidante of Viceroys and Maharajas. Jacob also excelled in themagical arts. He inspired all those who met him, including Rudyard Kipling whoimmortalised him as Lurgan Sahib, the 'healer of sick pearls', in his novel Kim.
Now for the first time,John Zubrzycki, author of The Last Nizam, conveys the page-turningcolour, romance and adventure of Jacob's astonishing life. Starting on thebanks of the Tigris in modern-day Turkey where Jacob was born, Zubrzycki stripsaway the myths and legends. He follows Jacob's journey from the slums ofBombay, to the fabulous court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, from thehedonistic heights of Simla, the summer capital of the Raj, to the CalcuttaHigh Court. This is a story of India, of strange twists and unexpectedoutcomes. Most importantly Zubrzycki enters into and truly captures the spiritof the mysterious Mr Jacob, one of the most enigmatic and charismatic figuresof his time.
Taking a break from his holiday visiting his nephew, Jim, Athelstan Digby agrees to look after the old bookshop of Keldstone so that his hosts, the Lavenders, can attend their cousin's funeral. On...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
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