Set of Four Books on Sarojini Naidu, R K Narayan (Two) and Ravi Shankar

a) Sarojini Naidu, The Golden Threshold, London: William Heinemann, 1906, second impression

98 pages with a frontis portrait of Author, reproduced from a drawing by J B Yeats; hardbound
7.2 x 5.1 x 0.5 in (18.5 x 13.2 x 1.5 cm)

This is a presentation copy by Sarojini Naidu to Lady Willingdon who was wife of Madras Presidency Governor at the time Naidu presented it but who later became Vicereine of India.

Inscribed on the front flyleaf: "To Her Excellancy / Lady Willington / from Sarojini Naidu / Hyderabad Deccan / 27th July 1915"

The Golden Threshold is the first collection of Sarojini Naidu's poetry published in 1905 and it includes the lovely “Indian Love-Song”, along with several other poignant poems. Every poem offers a sense of comprehension into the thoughts and feelings of this foremost and inspirational woman, introduced here by Arthur Symons, who promoted their publication after first hearing her read the earliest of them in 1896. The verses are divided into three classes: Folk Songs, Songs for Music and Poems

FOLK SONGS:
“Palanquin-Bearers”, “Wandering Singers”, “Indian Weavers”, “Coromandel Fishers”, “The Snake-Charmer”, “Corn-Grinders”, “Village-Song”, “In Praise of Henna”, “Harvest Hymn”, “Indian Love-Song”, “Cradle-Song”, “Suttee”.

SONGS FOR MUSIC:
“Song of a Dream”, “Humayun to Zobeida”, “Autumn Song Alabaster”, “Ecstasy”, “To my Fairy Fancies”.

POEMS:
“Ode to H. H. the Nizam of Hyderabad”, “Leili”, “In the Forest”, “Past and Future”, “Life”, “The Poet's Love-Song”, “To the God of Pain”, “The Song of Princess Zeb-un-nissa”, “Indian Dancers”, “My Dead Dream”, “Damayante to Nala in the Hour of Exile”, “The Queen's Rival”, “The Poet to Death”, “The Indian Gipsy”, “To my Children”, “The Pardah Nashin”, “To Youth”, “Nightfall in the City of Hyderabad”, “Street Cries”, “To India”, “The Royal Tombs of Golconda”, “To a Buddha seated on a Lotus”.

Sarojini Naidu was an advocate of liberation and poet of contemporary India. She was born in a Bengali family at Hyderabad and studied at Chennai, London and Cambridge. She tied the knot with Dr Govindarajulu Naidu and lived in Hyderabad. She participated in the National Movement, was a believer of Gandhiji or Mahatma Gandhi, and challenged for the acquisition of Swaraj. She came to be the President of the Indian National Congress and afterward she was designated the Governor of the United Provinces, recently Uttar Pradesh. Described as the “Nightingale of India”, she was also a notable poet. The themes of her poetry are mostly about kids, nature, nationalism, and romance and demise.

b) R K Narayan, A Tiger for Malgudi, Mysore: Indian Thought Publications, 1983

176 pages; paperback
7 x 4.6 x 0.3 in (18 x 11.7 x 1 cm)

This is a presentation copy. Inscribed on the front flyleaf: "For Jim / with love / R.K.Narayan / 31st Dec 1983"

c) R K Narayan, A Writer's Nightmare: Selected Essays 1958-1988, New Delhi: Penguin Books India, 1988

240 pages; paperback
7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 in (19.6 x 12.5 x 1.3 cm)

This is a presentation copy. Inscribed on the half title page: "For Jim / with love / R.K.Narayan / 7th Aug' 88"

Most of the essays in this book originally appeared in the The Hindu. Some were also printed in Frontline and the Times of India. Other essays were published in the following magazines: “Misguided Guide” in Life, “When India was a Colony” in the New York Times Sunday Magazine, “India and America” in Town and Country. The bulk of the older essays were first published in book form as Next Sunday and Reluctant Guru by Orient Paperbacks.

d) Ravi Shankar, My Music, My Life, New York: Simon and Schuster, 1968

160 pages profusely illustrated with black and white plates; hardbound with dust jacket
11 x 8.6 x 0.7 in (28 x 22 x 2 cm)

This is a presentation copy. Inscribed on the front flyleaf: "To Hituda / with love / Ravishankar / Jan.7.70."

Introduction by Yehudi Menuhin. Includes coverage of the history, theory and instruments of Indian music; great Indian musicians, innovators, and gurus; the author's own story; a manual on the sitar.

This autobiography transcends a simple memoir. It's a rich tapestry combining Shankar's transformation from a young dancer to a world-renowned musician, a history of Indian classical music, and even a guide to playing the sitar itself. Filled with stunning photographs and culminating in a passionate plea for the preservation of this ancient art form, My Music, My Life offers a unique perspective into the life and art of a musical icon.

This book captures a pivotal time. Shankar was instrumental in introducing the West to Indian classical music, collaborating with figures like George Harrison. The book offers a firsthand account of this cultural exchange. It's not just a memoir. Shankar blends his autobiography with an explanation of Indian classical music's history and theory. It even delves into the practicalities of playing the sitar, making it a valuable resource for aspiring musicians. The book traces Shankar's journey from his early days as a dancer to his rise as a sitar virtuoso. You'll get a sense of his dedication, influences, and the experiences that shaped his musical identity. Shankar doesn't just chronicle his success; he emphasises the importance of preserving Indian classical music's rich heritage. This adds depth to the book, making it a valuable record of this musical tradition.

This book would appeal to a wide range of readers. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the insights into Indian classical music. Sitar players will find the practical guidance valuable. Anyone interested in Ravi Shankar's life and cultural impact will find it a fascinating read.

(Set of four)