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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
i loved this, but it's an anthology, so I am not sure how do I go about reviewing this?
I can't point to any major drawbacks in the collection, it's far from exhaustive, true, but it's also not meant to be. It is meant to be an incredibly short, simple, succinct introduction for people who would otherwise never be exposed to urdu poetry - not a claims-to-be-definitive anthology. To that extent, I would definitely recommend picking this up even if you're usually not interested in urdu poetry. This is very very beginner friendly, and written specifically for people who would otherwise never read something like this.
I am not sure how the selection and the translation fares compared to some of the more popular urdu poetry anthologies out there - especially poet specific collections of Faiz, Iqbal, Mir, Ghalib, etc - but this was a beautiful stepping stone to begin with, I think. Or at least, it was good enough for me.
This book makes an interesting choice - the poetry is written in, first, devnagari script, then a transliteration in English, followed by a proper translation in English. Usually, the Nastaliq Script is preferred over Devanagari.
I can't read the Nastaliq Script, of course, and in the introduction Khushwant Singh talks about how that's a sorry state of affairs given that Urdu as a language can be read in the Devanagari script just as well - but is often gatekept by puritanical sections claiming superiority of Urdu poetry shared in the Nastaliq Script itself. Merits of both the arguments aside, it IS a reality for me that I am constrained by language. In that sense, I am glad i started with this because it gave me the experience of actually reading the poetry WITH its original feel and (phonetic)-sound rather than just its meaning.
I can't point to any major drawbacks in the collection, it's far from exhaustive, true, but it's also not meant to be. It is meant to be an incredibly short, simple, succinct introduction for people who would otherwise never be exposed to urdu poetry - not a claims-to-be-definitive anthology. To that extent, I would definitely recommend picking this up even if you're usually not interested in urdu poetry. This is very very beginner friendly, and written specifically for people who would otherwise never read something like this.
I am not sure how the selection and the translation fares compared to some of the more popular urdu poetry anthologies out there - especially poet specific collections of Faiz, Iqbal, Mir, Ghalib, etc - but this was a beautiful stepping stone to begin with, I think. Or at least, it was good enough for me.
This book makes an interesting choice - the poetry is written in, first, devnagari script, then a transliteration in English, followed by a proper translation in English. Usually, the Nastaliq Script is preferred over Devanagari.
I can't read the Nastaliq Script, of course, and in the introduction Khushwant Singh talks about how that's a sorry state of affairs given that Urdu as a language can be read in the Devanagari script just as well - but is often gatekept by puritanical sections claiming superiority of Urdu poetry shared in the Nastaliq Script itself. Merits of both the arguments aside, it IS a reality for me that I am constrained by language. In that sense, I am glad i started with this because it gave me the experience of actually reading the poetry WITH its original feel and (phonetic)-sound rather than just its meaning.
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
amazing writing esp for people who know urdu
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
reflective
It was extremely refreshing to read this beautiful assortment of Urdu Poetry. However, the compiler scarcely scratches below the surface to provide some of the lesser-known works. At the same time, the accompanying translation focusses only on the literal level and ignores the intricate allegory nestled in the verse. Nonetheless, it's good edition for beginners to get introduced to Urdu poetry. I deeply appreciate the publisher's attempt to aid in the revival of the dying tradition of Urdy poetry by creating a volume that can be easily consumed by the masses.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced