'In his Political Biography of an Earthquake - Edward Simpson tries to pull back from the immediate, ephemeral spotlight so typical of journalists, politicians and international humanitarian agencies. - Without reverting to excessive theory, Simpson explores the history of the most affected district of Kutch and investigates the consequences of the relief efforts of 2001. In these efforts, he sees - for good or evil - an underlying neoliberal capitalist agenda, with industrialisation, immigration and environmental degradation accelerated if not caused by the reconstruction efforts. Simpson provocatively suggests the need for an alternative view of "humanitarians" as trespassers, "their actions no longer - so routinely sensible or so morally untouchable". - his many years of research in the region provide important material for reflection beyond the usual focus on local government failure and the need to accelerate foreign help after disasters.'