The Cotton Trade by Amelia Khatri

The Cotton Trade unravels the story of how a single plant became the engine of the global economy, especially during the Industrial Revolution. It examines cotton's pivotal role in shaping societies, from its agricultural roots to its dominance in textile manufacturing. The book highlights intriguing facts, such as how the demand for cotton spurred technological innovation, like the cotton gin and the power loom, and how it reshaped agricultural landscapes, particularly in plantation economies reliant on enslaved labor.

The book explores the evolution of cotton agriculture, the technological advancements in textile production, and the establishment of global trade networks intertwined with labor systems. The narrative progresses chronologically, beginning with the origins of cotton cultivation and moving through the expansion of plantation economies, the rise of textile manufacturing, and the establishment of global trade networks. This approach provides a holistic understanding of how agricultural practices, technological innovations, and trade networks were mutually reinforcing.