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New book presents Ghalib’s couplet to modern audiences

Published by HarperCollins India, 'The Essential Ghalib' will be released on 6 January on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online platform for launching non-fiction books.

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The Essential Ghalib is a curated selection of two hundred couplets by the iconic poet Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib. This collection delves into universal themes such as love, pain, and philosophical reflection, all infused with Ghalib’s signature wit and empathy. Anisur Rahman, a scholar and translator, brings Ghalib’s poetry to life in a way that is both engaging and accessible to modern readers.

Widely regarded as a cornerstone of Urdu literature, Ghalib’s poetry is celebrated for its depth and complexity. His verses resonate across generations, reflecting universal human emotions and profound insights into the struggles and joys of life. Known for his ability to weave layered meanings into his ghazals, Ghalib offers readers an ever-evolving experience, as each reading reveals new interpretations and perspectives.

This collection presents the original Urdu couplets alongside English translations, ensuring that Ghalib’s intricate ideas can reach a wider audience. Rahman’s lucid translations retain the essence of Ghalib’s work, while the accompanying commentaries provide a deeper understanding of the poetry’s nuances. These detailed analyses explore the layers of meaning within each couplet, bridging the gap between Ghalib’s era and today. The result is a book that not only honors the poet’s legacy but also makes his timeless work relevant to contemporary readers.

Published by HarperCollins India, ‘The Essential Ghalib’ will be released on 6 January on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online platform for launching non-fiction books.

Anisur Rahman is a distinguished literary critic, translator, and bilingual poet in English and Urdu. Formerly a professor at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, he has contributed significantly to the fields of Urdu studies and literary translation. His notable works include Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi and Hazaar Rang Shaairi. Rahman’s deep appreciation for Ghalib’s poetry is evident in this meticulous collection, which combines scholarship with a passion for making Ghalib’s genius accessible to all.

The book has garnered high praise for its thoughtful presentation. Daisy Rockwell describes it as “an expertly assembled treasure trove,” while Satyanarayana Hegde highlights its ability to guide readers through the complexities of Ghalib’s poetry. Published by HarperCollins India, The Essential Ghalib is an ideal introduction to the poet’s work and a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any literature enthusiast.


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