
This anthology brings together verse and prose: essays, stories, chronicles, and profiles by people who have shared a relationship with Lahore. From the mystical poems of Madho Lal Hussain and Bulleh Shah to Iqbal’s ode and Faiz’s lament; from McLagan’s and Aijazuddin’s historical treatises and Kipling’s ‘chronicles’ to Samina Quraeshi’s intricate portraits of the Old City and Irfan Husain’s delightful account of Lahori cuisine, Beloved City is a marriage of the sacred and profane. Significant Pakistani writers like Intezar Hussain, Aamer Hussain, Kishwar Naheed, Bapsi Sidhwa, Sara Suleri, and Ashfaq Ahmed have also contributed to this volume.
This anthology investigates the multifaceted cultural, historical, and spiritual identity of Lahore through a diverse collection of literary and historical perspectives. Bapsi Sidhwa, a prominent Pakistani novelist, curates this volume to capture the essence of a city defined by its layered past and vibrant present. By assembling a wide array of voices—ranging from classical poets to contemporary essayists—the book constructs a comprehensive portrait of the city's social and architectural evolution. The framework relies on the juxtaposition of historical treatises, personal chronicles, and creative prose to illustrate the city's enduring significance.
What You Will Find
Critics and readers frequently identify this volume as a foundational text for those seeking to understand the cultural complexity of Lahore. Experts highlight the book's utility as a bridge between classical literary traditions and modern historical analysis.
Page Count:
391
Publication Date:
2022-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford Univerysity Press, Pakistan
ISBN-10:
0195472489
ISBN-13:
9780195472486
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