A book on how Britain took one boy and piles of treasures from Ethiopia
Out now
“In this fascinating, haunting book, which takes us from a high mountain plateau in Ethiopia to Osborne on the Isle of Wight where Prince Alamayu met and charmed Queen Victoria, and all too soon to the catacombs of St George’s Chapel Windsor, Andrew Heavens tells the astonishing story of the uprooting of this lost boy.” The Daily Mail
“I am very excited about this extraordinary and thrilling book and more importantly by the thought of everyone who will read it. The Battle of Maqdala and its fallout should be known to every man, woman and child.” Lemn Sissay
“Finally, the full story of the Ethiopian Prince Alemayu, the son of Emperor Tewodros, who was taken from Ethiopia to England after the Battle of Maqdala, has been told and told well. Andrew Heavens must be commended for using his literary talent to explain and completely clarify the mystery that has always surrounded Prince Alemayu, describing his life with words so vivid and descriptive, that at times I felt I was watching a documentary film, not just reading a book.” Barbara Blake Hannah
“As Andrew Heavens relates in his vivid new book, ‘The Prince and the Plunder’, they also grabbed Alamayu…” The Economist
“Heavens has produced an exceptionally fascinating, evenly balanced and moving account of Alamayu’s life. While there are scores of books recounting the story of Tewodros and the events at Maqdala, there are precious few biographies of this young prince… and none of them more rewarding to read than this one.” Returning Heritage
“A deeply moving account of a life cut short and the fate of a kingdom’s treasures … Heavens’ book tells this remarkable and unhappy story with authority and skill … surely the most definitive study of Alamayu and Maqdala to date … tragic, authoritative and deeply moving.” All About History magazine
“Andrew Heavens has done an extraordinary thing for British history, which is to tell a story from our not-so-distant past which has been almost unknown to most of us who live in the UK, but is very well known indeed to the people of Ethiopia, whose story is told here. He covers his material with a depth of knowledge and an impressive thoroughness, but with a lightness of touch in the way he tells a story that is, at the same time, profoundly human, deeply political, highly engaging, and which reveals much about our imperial past and how it continues to resonate in our own day. A compelling and essential read!” The Rev John McLuckie – the returner of the Edinburgh Tabot
“Heavens is a good storyteller and guides us with a sure pen through the events of 1868 and beyond. He sprinkles in first hand sources throughout the book so that people who met or knew Alamayu, like Queen Victoria, can speak to us directly.” Popular History Books
“Gripping read, deeply reported, thoroughly enjoyed – a moving tale brought to life in a story that resonates so much today. Brought back many memories of Ethiopia and taught me much I had never known. Buy it, read it!” PJ – Review on Amazon
“What a fabulous book!! Even if you aren’t as obsessed with Ethiopia as I am, a fascinating, thoughtful, often funny and even more often thought provoking account of the British ‘Abyssinian Expedition’, in 1868, and its aftermath, the effects of which are still going on today. But this is no dry historical account with a bit of modern day disapproval. Heavens captures the personality of the people and the times in such an engaging manner, the pages fly along. Spoiler alert: not everybody in Victorian Britian agreed with spoils of war, including many military leaders. The discussions/arguments started in 1868 continue today. Most important, the book is very readable! Enjoy. X” My London Passion
“The best sort of history book – shedding light on a little known piece of our past, through personal stories, powerful narrative, understated humour and meticulous research. Highly relevant to contemporary reflections on colonial misadventures, institutionalised racism and repatriation of stolen treasure.“ Tim Holmes – review on Amazon
