This novel recounts events leading to the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453. The legendary "wandering jew", in guise of a "Prince of India" aids in bringing about the downfall of the city and its empire by aiding and advising the Turkish Sultan Mehmed II.

The viewpoints of both the Greek and Turkish sides are shown in detail, with sympathy for both. Added to this are many vivid descriptions of the city and the important characters of the day. All in all, an interesting read.

The central character of the Jew/Prince is a fascinating portrait. I found it much more effective than the other 19th century treatment of the legend by Eugene Sue, "Le Juif Errant."

In many ways, this mature work resembles his "BEN-HUR": it covers
a period of many years, and its plot is built by putting together
historical and geographical facts, and by weaving in a thread of
romance. The "boat race" introduced in this story suggests the
famous "chariot race" in "BEN-HUR". This property has value in
awakening interest in a fascinating period of history, and fixing
in the mind of the audience many historic events and customs,
while its treatment of the religious questions involved is both
broad and comprehensive. (Helen Rex Keller)

I have read many books about the Royal lives from various parts of the world. This book by "Gayatri Devi" is exquisite and her narration simply makes the book premier of them all. The details and the wonderful experiences amazed me. Her life has so much vitality and enthusiasm. Its a book by someone with bright spirit and great soul.

I have always been interested in the history of Princely India because I find the lives and times of the great Maharajas of India very fascinating. I found the first edition of this great book at an Indian book store in New Jersey. I was very ecstatic about my discovery since one can hardly find books about the history of Princely India in the States. This is the perfect way to find out what it was like during the time when the Maharajas ruled India. Her Royal Highness, the Maharani Gayatri Devi has done a superb job in writing this book. Her writing makes it seem as if we are there in Jaipur when they welcomed Her at the Rambhagh Palace, and we feel the emotions she might have felt when Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi imprisoned her on false charges. This book is easy to follow and flows very nicely from one chapter to the next, and from one situation to the other. The English used in this book is not too complex either, and has many great pictures so that one can feel as if they are right there when She wins the elections and welcomes Jackie Kennedy at the City Palace. This book is a must read for all people who are interested in Princely India, or interested in famous influential women. It is a must read for people who like to read a romantic story, but it is a must read for people who like to read and gain new knowledge.

I have been interested in international cooking for years with a particular fondness for Indian cooking. I discovered this wonderful book on Amazon.com and found it appealing because 1) it covers a region of India (Orissa) whose recipes I have never seen before and 2) the author is actually a scientist so I knew the recipes would not omit any details. I must say I was not dissapointed. If you are like me, you will be amazed that Dr. Parida is not a full time chef and cookbook author.

Once you read the preface you will also see she has a great sense of humor that shines through again and again throughout the book.

For those among you who sometimes feel that the spice mixtures of Indian recipes are a little overwhelming, this book is for you. All of the recipes I made from this book are flavorful without being overpowering.

So far I have 3 recipes that I love from this book:

1) Khichidi - a wonderful rice and lentil combination that is extreemly easy to prepare, elegantly seasoned and can serve as a full meal on its own.

2) Baigana Bharta - Mashed fried eggplants. while the description may not sound so appetizing, think of it as an alternative to Babaganoush. The buttery flavor of the slow roasted eggplant and the delicate seasonings make this an excellent dish hot or cold. I serve it cold as an appetizer with thinly sliced crusty bread. My dinner guests rave about it!

3) Kheeri - Rice pudding. Indian comfort food! Rice pudding is one of favorite desserts and when I first saw this recipe I thought it had a typo because it appeared to call for too much milk. I tried the recipe as printed and the result was a deliciously silky rice and milk concoction that I have made again and again.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. Lets encourage this highly gifted author to keep writing books!

Very rarely one comes across a book that seems on surface to be
devoted to a narrow specialty, but which by virtue of its author's
knowledge and expertise, becomes a mirror in which the whole
subject area and more is reflected and illuminated.
In this sense ``Purba'' is not merely a book on food originating from a major
state in eastern India -- it is a palette on which the author
manages in her inimitable style to unify the basic methods and
techniques of food preparation from different regions of the
world as disparate as France, China and Orissa (the last being
the state in eastern India where she hails from). In this
identification of the basic principles and techniques of cuisine
from across the world, this book and its author (a computer
scientist from Orissa, working in New York) is symptomatic of
our times; for better or for worse, an indicator toward our
globalized future.

``Techniques + Ingredients = Recipes''. This, according to the
author, is the defining equation of all cuisines. It also captures
succinctly the point of view from which the author (a scientist
byprofession) approaches the subject. It is not on the particulars,
but on the universal techniques, that cut across cuisines across different
continents, that our attention is focused on. The author is clearly
a master of her subject matter, as well as a good expositor, with a
sleek style and the occasional scientific humor. It is in fact a good
read even if you don't want to step into the kitchen in this lifetime.

Of course, subject of the book is food from Orissa and the author
does an extremely good job of exposing the richness and variety of
Oriya cuisine to the non-Oriya speaking world. This is a great service
in itself, as unlike cuisines from North and South India, food from
Eastern India tend to be unnoticed outside India -- partly, because
of their elaborate preparations which makes them unsuitable for
the typical Indian restaurant. But, when one really delves into it there are
immense riches here to be picked for the gastronomically inclined and
``Purba'' is a wonderful introduction to this rich, new, culinary world.
The recipes themselves are described with unusual precision, and
is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced cooks.

A great Writer of all times, Mr. Akbar is an intelligent, witty and a very genius Personality, His focus on the crisis fronts of India, esp. Punjab and Kashmir portrays the real background and emotions behind the crisis. He challenges the Nation's Unity and concerned thoughful analyzing of Mr. Akbar shows a human Brain who is a true Indian. India, The seige within 'Challenge to a Nation's Unity' and 'Nehru the Making of India' are two books which are worth a Buy and Read. Mr. Akbar portrays a cool, calm, tactful approach and his 'Bylines' are a strong concerned relection in Journalism Field too.

This is literally one of the best books I have ever read. Without any sensationalism or any hidden injecting of opinion, MJ Akbar takes a person from scratch on the tensions in Tamil Nadu, Kashmir, and Punjab, and goes right to the essential facts and background and emotions and motives behind these crises. He is a wonderful story-teller, but does not become so enamored as to just be for the sake of it. Every word is important. He includes his analysis and his take on it, but is always explicit and frank about it. A most highly objective and intelligent presentation of the crises.

Ragubir Singh's India is poignant,stark, vital and alive. His photographs of everyday life in India are glimpses into the soul of all strata of Indian life. Whether seeing a mother and child, two little girls who are best friends, or the incredible paradox a rich man and his luxury car juxtaposed to the glaring,overwhelming poverty and human suffering, one can't help but be deeply moved and touched by the vibrant movement flowing through each and every image in this visual journey to the real India.

If you have ever been to India, or have ever wished in your mind's eye to go there, this is the book for you. Singh's legacy is to offer captivating images. Even my five year old daughter will sit and look at each image for the longest time, and think of what is seen -- just like a visit to India itself!

the lines are drawn on the page so vividly, each word tells a story. i wish to god that he would have had more time. another book will follow this in 2003 (poets & writers magazine), and then...silence. grab the chance to get to know this amazing writer.

I think Shahid Ali is the only person in the world whose book jacket features quotes by Anthony Hecht and Michael Palmer. It's a tribute to the kind of poet he became.

And we miss him already.

His language is so eerie and unbelievable because he really did bring the cadences, literariness (and penchant for grief and drama) of Urdu into English. In this sense, every one of his poems is an expert translation--across continents, physical and otherwise.

The book is dominated by two intense long sequences, one in which the poet accompanies his mother's body to back to Kashmir, and the closing sequence--dynamic!--in which, paralyzed by grief over his mother's death (and his own illness) Shahid communes with the departed spirit of James Merrill.

Shahid was a magnificent poet, and a magnificent man. Often reviews focus on his romance with bringing the Ghazal into English, or assign him a role as a "new formalist,"--which (I understand) he hated to be called--however, his true (and secret) gift is only the "multiply exiled" (to borrow Shahid's phrase) could have: a deep understanding of the "words behind the words."

We miss you, Shahid.

From his last book: "Dear Shahid...we are waiting for the almond blossoms. And, if God wills, O! those days of peace when we all were in love and the rain was in our hands whenever we met."

The research here is remarkable. The scholarship is first-rate, the information exhaustive (although never definitive since world music grows with leaps and bounds moment by moment).

I love dipping into this attractively illustrated, logically organized, and utterly helpful guide to find whole realms of sound which I not only didn't know existed but also could not even have imagined existed without the help of these fine fans of the music about which they write so clearly and well.

The world today is a depressing place. Sorrow is everywhere one turns. But this celebration of music continually energizes and revivifies. Buy it; enjoy it; and expand your CD collection.

... this one is for Latin & North American, Caribbean, Indian, Asian/Pacific idioms. I picked up the original '94 edition to explore World Beat rhythms in improvisatory settings, and was excited to hear the new edition would cover two volumes. I am NOT displeased !!

Rob Linrothe's book is a must-have for any interested student of Esoteric Buddhism. It combines the author's knowledge of the religious texts with art historical analysis and provides a wonderful survey on the development of wrathful Buddhist deities from secondary attendant figures to objects of worship in their own right.

Rob Linrothe has written a superb book on the evolution of Wrathful Deities in India and Tibet. Photos taken by the author and excellent explanations show us in exquisite detail how this form of art developed over the centuries. A wonderful book for those looking to understand Esoteric Buddhism!

This book of poems is destined to become a modern masterpiece. The book has two parts: the first deals with the author's memories of Kashmir; the second describes landscapes of the mind. Kak has been called India's finest poet and while this book does not reach the level of his Hindi collection Ek Taal, Ek Darpan, it is an excellent introduction of his poetry to the English reader. Highly recommended!

This is an important book of poems by India's foremost poet. The book remembers Kashmir and it describes other imagined worlds that make it possible for us to relate to reality. Should be read with Kak's Hindi book Ek Taal, Ek Darpan.

A book that subtly hints at girls' empowerment is always a good thing in my mind. Combine that with tales set in India, and it gets better.

Shower of Gold features Krishnaswami again showcasing her wonderful storytelling talent. Like her earlier book, Broken Tusk, this one too picks up a niche topic and tells stories about it. All of the stories in Shower of Gold are about courageous women or devis (goddesses) who have to overcome terrible odds to emerge triumphant. The stories also serve as a wonderful study in Indian culture. The dire conditions of some of these women though, may be startling to some little ones. Stories such as Rani of Jhansi are borrowed from history texts, while others such as the story of Savitri or Sita are from mythology.

Adults will especially appreciate the notes at the end of each story that often includes pointers to more exhaustive readings on the subject.

The larger question of course, looms here. "Some people wonder why, when goddesses in Hindu mythology play such magical and powerful roles, Hindu society has not given women more power." The author does hint at reasons but a more potent explanation is not really within the scope of this book. To her credit, Krishnaswami sticks to her agenda and delivers.

Shower of Gold is a fresh look at the clichéd phrase, "girl power". For here are some bold strong girls and women who have effectively shown what it all means.

Our four-year-old daughter has been delighted with these stories since getting this book for Christmas. In our mixed Indian/Texan household, good children's books on Indian cultural topics are hard to come by and prized this book neither requires the extensive knowledge of Indian mythology that many books published in India presume, nor does it distance itself from India as the exotic "other" the way some western books do. The vocabulary is challenging for my four-year old but the stories hold her interest anyway, and the length of each tale is just right for bedtime reading. This is one we'll read and re-read.