Westland Books to publish acclaimed journalist Samanth Subramanian’s new collection of essays, The Web Beneath the Waves: And Other Reports from Our Tangled World

New Delhi, July 10, 2026: Acclaimed journalist and author Samanth Subramanian returns with The Web Beneath the Waves: And Other Reports from Our Tangled World, an incisive and wide-ranging collection of essays that brings together fifteen years of his reporting and reflection capturing the complexities and interconnectedness of the modern world. Published by Westland Books, the book is set to release on 30 July 2026.

Billed as an Economist Best Book for its titular essay, The Web Beneath the Waves: And Other Reports from Our Tangled World brings together fifteen years of Samanth Subramanian's reportage from across continents. The essays explore subjects ranging from politics, conflict, science and technology to sport, language and culture. Together, they uncover the hidden stories, unseen systems and unexpected connections that shape our world, often in ways we rarely notice.

One of the most acclaimed journalists of contemporary times, Subramanian combines rigorous reporting with empathy, intellectual curiosity and compelling storytelling. From stories of the invisible network of undersea cables that powers the internet and disappearing languages to the Sri Lankan civil war, Indian cricket, corruption, privilege and scientific discovery, Subramanian's essays offer fresh perspectives on both defining global issues and overlooked subjects. The collection also delves into unexpected stories ranging from Nigerian Jews and Singapore's land reclamation to India's quizzing culture making it a truly unique reading experience.

Speaking about the book, Samanth Subramanian said “So much of the world — even the world right around us — is hidden from our view. We can never possibly see it all. The pieces in this book are a result of my being curious or puzzled or wonderstruck about the way our modern world works, and the way people negotiate it. I hope readers find in it the same sense of discovery and amazement that I felt when I was out in the field, interviewing people.”

To mark the opening of pre-orders on 13 July 2026, Westland Books is hosting an exclusive pre-release event featuring Samanth Subramanian along with eminent journalist Sharda Ugra and author Aakar Patel at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), Bengaluru, where readers will have an opportunity to engage with the author about the book, journalism and storytelling.

The book is set to release on 30 July 2026 and is available for pre-order starting 13 July 2026.