Masterpieces of URDU GHAZALS: From the 17th to the 20th Century

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The book introduces the reader to the form and flavour of Urdu ghazal which, undoubtedly, is the most popular and prized poetic genre in Urdu. It contains translations of 108 ghazals selected from the works of nine major poets: Wali, Dard, Mir, Ghalib, Momin, Iqbal, Hasrat, Firaq and Faiz. The translations are faithful to the sense and spirit of the original and are couched in a lucid, poetical language. For the convenience of the non-Urdu knowing reader, the author has provided in the book, in addition to the text in Urdu Romanised versions of the ghazals. Among other features of the book should be mentioned the introductory essay on the ghazal, which is comprehensive and fully illustrated, and brief biographical notes on the poets, along with their authentic portraits.

About the Author:

Dr. K. C. Kanda, the editor and translator of the volume, has been, till recently, a teacher of English in Delhi University. He is also a lover and scholar of Urdu literature. He has published a critical study of Tennyson: The Two Worlds of Tennyson, and an Anthology of English poems. His next book, A Treasury of Urdu Rubaiyat, is under print with Sterling, and the second volume of the Masterpieces of Urdu Ghazal is under preparation. Excerpts from Review:

"It is a miracle that despite the strait-jacket in which it was enclothed, the ghazal not only survived but flourished through the centuries...I recommend this anthology to lovers of Urdu poetry."

-Khushwant Singh, Sunday

"All in all, it is a book for the shelves of both who know and love Urdu and would like to be conversant with its best form of poetry."

-The Pioneer

"Mr. Kanda in his well-researched volume has painstakingly brought out the best of Urdu Ghazals, and this concise volume could well be considered a boon for research scholars in Urdu poetry."

-The Hindu

"The book makes a notable addition to the wealth of translated literature, and can be specially recommended to the lovers of poetry, and for libraries."

-The Patriot

"For those who would like to know the spirit of the Urdu Ghazal and savour its charms, the book is a valuable window to a world of love and wonder."

-The Day After