Book Review: ‘The Essential Ghalib’ by Anisur Rahman

Book Title: The Essential Ghalib
Author: Anisur Rahman
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Number of Pages: 448
ISBN: 978-9365692808
Date Published: Dec. 24, 2024
Price: INR 600

Book Review

زندگی یوں بھی گزر ہی جاتی
کیوں ترا راہ گزر یاد آیا

ज़िंदगी यूँ भी गुज़र ही जाती
क्यूँ तिरा राहगुज़र याद आया

Zindagi yun bhi guzar hi jaati
kyun tiraa raahguzar yaad aaya

This life would have passed on, anyway
Why did I remember your path, anyway

Anisur Rahman’s “The Essential Ghalib” serves as a luminous gateway to the poetic brilliance of Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, one of Urdu literature’s most celebrated voices. Ghalib’s verses, steeped in layers of emotion and philosophical depth, often feel enigmatic to modern readers. Rahman addresses this challenge with a thoughtfully curated selection of 200 couplets that distill Ghalib’s timeless themes—love, pain, and introspection—into a format that resonates with today’s audiences. This collection bridges eras, connecting Ghalib’s poetic genius to the sensibilities of contemporary readers with finesse.

Rahman’s translations shine for their eloquence and accessibility. Eschewing rigid literalism, he employs a conversational style that preserves the soul of Ghalib’s ghazals while making them relatable to modern sensibilities. Each couplet is imbued with its original emotional intensity, allowing readers to delve into the layered meanings that define Ghalib’s work. This approach breathes new life into the poetry, making it both relatable and profoundly moving.

Beyond translation, Rahman enriches the experience with insightful commentary accompanying each couplet. His analysis demystifies Ghalib’s intricate verses, exploring their cultural and philosophical contexts. By shedding light on the deeper currents beneath the surface of the poetry, Rahman creates a space for both seasoned enthusiasts and new readers to appreciate Ghalib’s artistry fully. His exploration of the ghazal’s structure further deepens this engagement, highlighting the form’s elegance and Ghalib’s mastery within it.

Also Read: Book Review: ‘Did I Really Do All This’ By Vijay Raman

The bilingual presentation of “The Essential Ghalib” is another triumph, offering the original Urdu text alongside English translations. This thoughtful design of the text and beautiful intricated design on the book cover caters to a diverse audience, making it an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and casual readers alike. Elegantly crafted and critically lauded, this collection stands as a vital contribution to both the study of Urdu literature and the enduring appreciation of Ghalib’s poetic legacy.

Books are love!

Get a copy now!

---