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City of Djinns

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( 13,133 ratings, 1,105 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple explores the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual layers of Delhi, blending the author's personal experiences with the city's enchanting past. Through encounters with diverse inhabitants and intriguing tales, it reveals the timeless and mystical spirit of the Indian capital.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the blend of history, culture, and personal anecdotes. It offers a vivid exploration of Delhi, revealing the layers of its past and the mystical charm of its present.

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A memoir of a year spent in Delhi. Winner of the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.

William Dalrymple was awarded "The Sunday Times" Young Writer of the Year Award in 1994. This book was awarded the 1994 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

City of Djinns by William Dalrymple is a captivating exploration of one of the world's most intriguing cities. Spanning a year in Delhi, Dalrymple embarks on a journey tracing the city’s vast history, delving into its numerous incarnations over the millennia. Each layer of Delhi's history is meticulously peeled back, revealing a rich mosaic of cultures, stories, and legends that interweave the ancient and modern worlds.

Dalrymple immerses himself in the vibrant, chaotic, and often enigmatic life of Delhi. He uses his interactions with the city's diverse inhabitants to paint a living portrait of the metropolis. From the bustling markets and age-old monuments to the hidden corners and serene gardens, he brings Delhi's complex character to life. His eloquent prose effortlessly guides the reader through time, uncovering the secrets and stories embedded in the city's soul.

The author explores the physical remnants and the human narratives that define each of the eight historical cities of Delhi. Whether it is the grand Mughal architecture, the colonial vestiges, or the thriving streets brimming with contemporary culture, every page is infused with the essence of Delhi. Dalrymple's inquisitive spirit leads him to discover fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known tales that enrich the reader's understanding of the city.

Interwoven with personal experiences and historical analysis, the narrative also delves into the mystical and mythical aspects of Delhi. The book concludes with a reflection on the Delhi creation myth as told in the great Indian epic, The Mahabharata, providing a profound and poetic closure to his journey.

City of Djinns is not just a travelogue; it is a poignant homage to a city that stands at the crossroads of history, culture, and mythology. Dalrymple's keen observational skills and evocative storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the essence of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

City of Djinns by William Dalrymple is described as delightful and highly entertaining, combining humour with scholarly insight. Reviewers praise it as a significant accomplishment and commend Dalrymple for yet another successful work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780006375951

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 April 1994

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Flamingo

Illustration: 15 b/w illus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 352

About the Author

William Dalrymple's first book, In Xanadu, won the Yorkshire Post Best First Work Award and the Scottish Arts Council Spring Book Award. His third, From the Holy Mountain, won the Scottish Arts Council Autumn Book Award and was shortlisted for the 1998 Thomas Cook Award. His fourth, The Age of Kali, was published in November 1998. He is the youngest Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has recently written and presented a six-part series on the buildings of the Raj for Channel 4.

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