John Baillie:
Discover a personal memoir, family history, and a deep dive into 19th-century colonial India.

Writing Journey

Explore my transition from finance to storytelling through literature.

Five Brothers in India

Personal Remembrance Of Bengal And The East India Company 1795-1909

A compelling new book that combines personal memoir, family history, and an exploration of colonial life in India during the 19th century. Divided into three distinct parts, this unique narrative weaves together the author's reflections on life, an insightful study of the Balliol family, and the incredible stories of five brothers who all served in British India.
Opening his book with a personal account, John Baillie takes readers on a journey through his life experiences as a naval aviator and then successful businessman.
In the second section, Baillie delves into the remarkable history of his own family, particularly focusing on their connection to India. The Balliol family's Scottish heritage and their strong ties to the East India Company are explored in detail.
Finally, the author turns his attentions to the fascinating tale of the five brothers who served in British India during the height of the Empire Vividly imparting their adventures as they navigate the Indian Mutiny, the Crimean War, and life in Karachi, details of their bravery, perseverance and the challenges faced all come from letters penned by the brothers to their parents and siblings, still at home in London's Poplar.
With its themes of resilience, ambition, and familial loyalty running throughout each part of this compelling book, readers are offered a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of those who helped to shape modern India.

Personal Journey

John Baillie, once a naval officer who took to the skies, traded his wings for a calculator at 30, immersing himself in the world of finance. In 1974, as the stock market faltered, the oil industry buzzed with opportunity. His employers sent him to Aberdeen to oversee a key investment, and he made that dynamic city his home for 28 years, living there with his second wife before moving to Germany.

In 1988, the escalating violence in Northern Ireland ignited Baillie's creative spark. By 1989, he seized a pen and poured his thoughts onto the page, a process that gripped him relentlessly until his first book was finished five years later.

Determining whether there was enough material for a second book (thirty-one years later) was a meticulous journey. When inspiration struck, another five-year endeavor unfolded, producing an expansive, three-part saga. Though the second part is the shortest, it serves as a crucial link between the others, anchoring the narrative and driving Baillie's core purpose: to explore the enigmatic depths of occult philosophy.

About John Baillie

Discover the journey of a finance man turned writer, exploring personal memories and family history through the lens of colonial India.

Contact

Get in touch for inquiries about my writing, books, or personal experiences.