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City of Djinns
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City of Djinns
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See moreA 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.
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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.
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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