The Pagoda Tree

The Lives of Two Restoration Brothers in England and the East Indies

By: Iona Sinclair

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Hardcover | 15 January 2009

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The Pagoda Tree is a dual biography based on the manuscript letterbooks of two seventeenth century brothers: the one a merchant, first in the Mediterranean and subsequently with the East India Company; the other a lawyer and would-be country quire. The latter writes of the historical events of the period from the end of Cromwellian rule, through the reigns of Charles II and James II to William and Mary, but more importantly, writes to entertain his brother in India, of the idiosyncracies of his family and friends and (with particular relish) of the often disreputable behaviour of various parsons of his acquaintance. The younger brother's dramatic adventures in Algeria and St Helena, en route for India, are matched by poignant tales of his efforts to gain the riches of the Orient, while, however, so often diverted by the beauty of Chinese porcelain and lacquer, of 'curiosities' and by his interest in Indian architecture and antiquities.

Industry Reviews

'Here is a delightful book ... and the letters ... are of exceptional quality' -- Professor A.L. Rowse, The Field
'[William Lawrence's] correspondence is full of interest and has something for everyone ... The best of his prose ... rises to almost poetic heights. For historians there are Lawrence's caustic and satirical accounts of [life at] Charles II court. There is even, for garden historians, an account by Lawrence of [his] garden at Shurdington ... But the book's most general appeal will surely be its sheer entertainment ...' * Barry Coward, The Times Literary Supplement *
'Unique in its combination of comedy and pathos. A good case of fact being stranger than fiction.' * Professor Gerald Aylmer (then Master of St Peter's College, Oxford) in a letter to the editor *
'In every way a most enjoyable and enlightening book.' * Professor Barbara English, University of Hull, History Journal *
'Here is a real find for anyone interested in the 17th century ... Lawrence is an imaginative and talented writer.' * The Bood Book Guide *

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