A Life in Urdu

This book brings together writing by Ralph Russell, the eminent 20th century scholar of Urdu, which illuminates his life-long engagement with Urdu speakers and their literature. It showcases his lifelong commitment to Urdu as a language, a history, and culture. Written in his lively, accessible style, it provides a unique introduction for those new to Urdu literature, and unusual insights for those familiar with it. Each piece contributes something different - taken together, they reflect his masterful engagement with Urdu prose and poetry, his championing of the language against colonial neglect of Indian literatures, and the warmth of his interactions with Urdu speakers of all backgrounds. The essays contained in this volume cover sweeping ground highlighting major writers and their works, discussing both classical and unconventional "popular" genres, teasing out secrets in Ghalib's ghazals, analysing the burdens of colonialism and Partition, and engaging with the role of Islam in Urdu literature. Russell shares his insights in a way that draws the reader in, deftly entwining intellectual arguments with personal encounters. Part 1 is autobiographical, describing how he first came in contact with Urdu speakers when conscripted into the Indian Army during World War 2; and later encounters, which portray his warm character and his interest in people. Part 2 gives essays on key figures in Urdu literature, reflecting his personal interests. Poets of the 18th & 19th Centuries, early novelists, popular literature, memoirs by remarkable women. Russell is best known as an authority on Ghalib, and one essay describes his approach to translating Ghalib's ghazals. Part 3 has essays on language and literary history, characterised by his combination of meticulous scholarship with a broad understanding of social and political contexts. The Foreword by Marion Molteno, his student and editor, and now his literary executor, introduces readers to his life and work. The Afterword brings together appreciations by some of the hundreds of people who were influenced by him.

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