Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories is a compelling work of nonfiction by Amitav Ghosh that uncovers the global history of opium and its profound influence on trade, empire, politics, and culture. Expanding on themes explored in his acclaimed Ibis Trilogy, Ghosh traces the story of the opium trade across India, China, and the wider world, revealing how it shaped colonial expansion, economic systems, and international relations. Combining meticulous historical research with engaging storytelling and personal reflection, the book examines the lasting social, political, and environmental consequences of the opium economy. Insightful and thought-provoking, Smoke and Ashes offers a fresh perspective on one of the most influential yet often overlooked forces in modern world history.