Skip to content

A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India Paperback - 1965

by E. M. Forster


About this book

A Passage to India by E.M. Forster is considered a monumental work of English Literature. The book tells the story of race and empire in India during the British Raj. A false accusation of sexual assault based on racist English assumptions forms the basis of the story. Dr. Aziz, a Muslim physician, is accused of assaulting a young woman during an expedition to Marabar Caves. The trial and ultimate consequences of the accusation expose the deep problems with British governance in India during this period, and the depth of feeling opposed to British rule among the Indian people. The book has received several awards, including the James Talt Black Memorial Prize in 1924, and is present on several lists of the best books of the twentieth century. 

Summary

E. M. Forster's exquisitely observed novel about the clash of cultures and the consequences of perception, set in colonial India

 

Among the greatest novels of the twentieth century and the basis for director David Lean’s Academy Award–winning film, A Passage to India unravels the growing racial tension between Indians, uneasy at best with colonial power, and the British, largely ignorant and dismissive of the society they're infiltrating. A sudden moment of confusion results in a devastating series of events that threatens to ruin a man's life, revealing just how deeply—and swiftly—prejudice has taken root.

From the publisher

A classic of modern fiction about colliding cultures--teeming with complexity, mystery, and menace.

Hailed as one of the finest novels of the twentieth century and transformed into an Academy Award-winning film, A Passage to India hauntingly evokes India at the peak of the British colonial era, complete with the racial tension that underscores every aspect of daily life. Into this setting, Forster introduces Adela Quested and Mrs. Moor, British visitors to Chandrapore who, despite their strong ties to the elusive colonial community there, are eager for a more authentic taste of India. But when their fates tangle with those of Cecil Fielding and his local friend, Dr. Aziz, at the nearby Marabar Caves, the community of Chandrapore is split wide open and everyone's life--British and Indian alike--is inexorably altered.

First line

Except for the Marabar Caves-and they are twenty miles off-the city of Chandrapore presents nothing extraordinary.

First Edition Identification

The novel was first published by Edward Arnold, in London in 1924. The trade edition was comprised of 5,000 copies in a red cloth binding and a plain printed wrapper. A limited edition of 200 copies was issued as well in brown cloth, each numbered and signed by Forster. 

Signed copies of the red cloth edition in fine or near fine condition can range in value up to $4,000 or $5,000, with the limited edition in brown cloth demanding $5,000 and higher. First American editions are generally priced up to $2,000.   

Details

  • Title A Passage to India
  • Author E. M. Forster
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 368
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Mariner Books Classics, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
  • Date 1965-03-17
  • ISBN 9780156711425 / 0156711427
  • Weight 0.65 lbs (0.29 kg)
  • Dimensions 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 in (20.32 x 13.46 x 2.29 cm)
  • Ages 14 to UP years
  • Grade levels 9 - UP
  • Reading level 950
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: British
    • Cultural Region: Indian
    • Ethnic Orientation: Indian
    • Topical: Friendship
    • Topical: High Interest/Low Vocabulary
  • Library of Congress subjects Race relations, Political fiction
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 84022375
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

Citations

  • Newsweek, 03/23/2009, Page 14
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India

by E.M. Forster

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£0.82
£2.45 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books Classics. Used - Good. . . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
Item Price
£0.82
£2.45 shipping to USA
A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India

by E.M. Forster

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£0.82
£2.45 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books Classics. Used - Very Good. A bright, square, and overall a nice copy
Item Price
£0.82
£2.45 shipping to USA
A Passage To India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage To India

by Forster, E.M.

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Imperial, Missouri, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£3.87
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Item Price
£3.87
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India

by Forster, E.M

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.17
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books, 1965-03-17. Paperback. Good. 85x14x128.
Item Price
£4.17
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage To India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage To India

by Forster, E.M

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
5
Seller
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.17
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books, 1965-03-17. Paperback. Acceptable. 7x5x1.
Item Price
£4.17
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India

by Forster, E.M

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
5
Seller
Kingwood, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.20
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books, 1965-03-17. Paperback. Acceptable. 7x5x1.
Item Price
£4.20
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage to India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage to India

by Forster, E.M

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
11
Seller
Houston, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.20
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books, 1965-03-17. Paperback. Acceptable. 7x5x1.
Item Price
£4.20
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage To India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage To India

by Forster, E.M.

  • Used
  • Acceptable
Condition
Used - Acceptable
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.65
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books Classics. Acceptable. Acceptable. Ship within 24hrs. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. APO/FPO addresses supported
Item Price
£4.65
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage To India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage To India

by Forster, E.M.

  • Used
  • good
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
5
Seller
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.76
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Mariner Books Classics. Good. Good. Ship within 24hrs. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. APO/FPO addresses supported
Item Price
£4.76
FREE shipping to USA
A Passage To India
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

A Passage To India

by Forster, E.M.

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780156711425 / 0156711427
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Rotterdam , New York, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£4.76
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Shows minimal wear such as frayed or folded edges, minor rips and tears, and/or slightly worn binding. May have stickers and/or contain inscription on title page. No observed missing pages.
Item Price
£4.76
FREE shipping to USA