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The Essential Ghalib
DISCOVER THE MASTER OF URDU POETRY
'When even grief feels sweet, you've understood Ghalib'
A treasure trove of India's most beloved poet, now accessible to English readers.
First-ever contemporary English translation Includes critical commentary for deeper understanding Perfect for both poetry lovers and newcomers Companion guide to understanding complex metaphors
UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF GHALIB'S VERSES
This definitive collection brings Ghalib's most powerful verses to English readers, making his complex poetry accessible without losing its profound depth. Whether you're discovering Ghalib for the first time or deepening your appreciation, this volume is an essential addition to your poetry collection.
Each verse comes alive
Modern English translations that preserve the original's essence
Clear, conversational explanations of hidden meanings
Expert commentary by renowned scholar Anisur Rahman
Contemporary context for timeless themes
Perfect
Poetry enthusiasts Literature students Urdu poetry beginners Gift-giving to culture lovers Anyone seeking to understand classical Urdu poetry
'When even grief feels sweet, you've understood Ghalib'
A treasure trove of India's most beloved poet, now accessible to English readers.
First-ever contemporary English translation Includes critical commentary for deeper understanding Perfect for both poetry lovers and newcomers Companion guide to understanding complex metaphors
UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF GHALIB'S VERSES
This definitive collection brings Ghalib's most powerful verses to English readers, making his complex poetry accessible without losing its profound depth. Whether you're discovering Ghalib for the first time or deepening your appreciation, this volume is an essential addition to your poetry collection.
Each verse comes alive
Modern English translations that preserve the original's essence
Clear, conversational explanations of hidden meanings
Expert commentary by renowned scholar Anisur Rahman
Contemporary context for timeless themes
Perfect
Poetry enthusiasts Literature students Urdu poetry beginners Gift-giving to culture lovers Anyone seeking to understand classical Urdu poetry
- GenresPoetry
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
10 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 27, 2025
-Translating the Grief of Ghalib-
Review of 'The Essential Ghalib' by Anisur Rahman
Quote Alert
"𝐍𝐚𝐪𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐤𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐊𝐇𝐢𝐢-𝐢 𝐭𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫-𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚
Translation-
𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐦 𝐈; 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬— 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬"
Ghalib has been to India what Rumi is to Persia. His sher, the couplets he wrote, have given way to much interpretation, translation and simplification in contemporary poetry and even in Hindi movie songs. His emotions, dripping from his writing, are relevant even today, hundreds of years after when even the soil that clung to his feet has gone into the shredder of the universe.
The Essential Ghliab is a selection of 200 shers, or couplets taken from the entire collection of Ghalib's ghazals. For each selected sher, the book offerd thetext in Nastaliq script, in Devanagari and in Roman transliteration.
Each sher and its accompanying material are designed to be displayed neatly on two facing pages in print, so that the reader can view the whole capsule at a glance—a perfect material aid to the process of focusing attention on one verse at a time, contemplating its many layers of signification and absorbing its imaginative impact.
There is a detailed commentary at the end that interprets the verse, explains its ambiguities and complexities of the meaning it carries, and then places it in multiple contexts: linguistic, textual, philosophical or cultural.
Have a look-
"Jazba-i be-iKHtiyaar-e shauq dekhaa chaahiye siina-i shamshiir se baahar hai dam shamshiir kaa.
This uncontrollable passion, this ardour, is worth a watch indeed The sparkle of a scimitar shows beyond its breath, beyond its breed."
A deeply philosophical read.
Review of 'The Essential Ghalib' by Anisur Rahman
Quote Alert
"𝐍𝐚𝐪𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐤𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐊𝐇𝐢𝐢-𝐢 𝐭𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫-𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚
Translation-
𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐦 𝐈; 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬— 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬"
Ghalib has been to India what Rumi is to Persia. His sher, the couplets he wrote, have given way to much interpretation, translation and simplification in contemporary poetry and even in Hindi movie songs. His emotions, dripping from his writing, are relevant even today, hundreds of years after when even the soil that clung to his feet has gone into the shredder of the universe.
The Essential Ghliab is a selection of 200 shers, or couplets taken from the entire collection of Ghalib's ghazals. For each selected sher, the book offerd thetext in Nastaliq script, in Devanagari and in Roman transliteration.
Each sher and its accompanying material are designed to be displayed neatly on two facing pages in print, so that the reader can view the whole capsule at a glance—a perfect material aid to the process of focusing attention on one verse at a time, contemplating its many layers of signification and absorbing its imaginative impact.
There is a detailed commentary at the end that interprets the verse, explains its ambiguities and complexities of the meaning it carries, and then places it in multiple contexts: linguistic, textual, philosophical or cultural.
Have a look-
"Jazba-i be-iKHtiyaar-e shauq dekhaa chaahiye siina-i shamshiir se baahar hai dam shamshiir kaa.
This uncontrollable passion, this ardour, is worth a watch indeed The sparkle of a scimitar shows beyond its breath, beyond its breed."
A deeply philosophical read.
May 2, 2025
زندگی یوں بھی گزر ہی جاتی
کیوں ترا راہ گزر یاد آیا
ज़िंदगी यूँ भी गुज़र ही जाती
क्यूँ तिरा राहगुज़र याद आया
Zindagiu.n yuN bhii guzar hii jaatii
ky.nN 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.
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 cater 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.
کیوں ترا راہ گزر یاد آیا
ज़िंदगी यूँ भी गुज़र ही जाती
क्यूँ तिरा राहगुज़र याद आया
Zindagiu.n yuN bhii guzar hii jaatii
ky.nN 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.
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 cater 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.
May 20, 2025
"The Essential Ghalib" by Anisur Rahman is a thoughtful collection of Mirza Ghalib's poetry that brings his timeless words to life for a new generation of readers. As a master of the ghazal, Ghalib's verses are like old friends – familiar, yet always revealing something new. Rahman’s translations make these couplets accessible, capturing the essence of Ghalib’s thoughts in a way that feels both fresh and true to the original.
What stands out in this book is Rahman’s ability to break down Ghalib’s complex ideas into simple, everyday language. He doesn’t just translate words; he conveys the emotions and reflections behind them. Each couplet is followed by insightful commentary that explores the deeper meanings, making it easier for readers to connect with Ghalib’s work on a personal level.
One of the joys of this book is how it invites readers to see the world through Ghalib’s eyes. His poetry touches on universal themes – love, loss, longing, and the passage of time. Whether he’s writing about the beauty of nature, the pain of separation, or the fleeting nature of life, Ghalib’s words resonate deeply. Rahman’s thoughtful translations ensure that these themes shine through, even across languages.
The format of the book is also worth mentioning. Each Urdu couplet is paired with an English translation, allowing readers to appreciate the original language alongside the translated version. This thoughtful presentation adds to the richness of the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.
For anyone new to Ghalib, "The Essential Ghalib" is a perfect starting point. Rahman’s work not only introduces readers to one of Urdu literature’s greatest poets but also encourages them to explore further. For those already familiar with Ghalib’s poetry, the book offers a fresh perspective, reminding us why his work continues to matter so much.
All-in-all, "The Essential Ghalib" is a beautifully curated collection that brings Ghalib’s poetry to life in a way that feels both personal and profound. It’s a book that will stay with you, offering new insights with each reading, and reminding you of the power of poetry to touch the heart and mind.
What stands out in this book is Rahman’s ability to break down Ghalib’s complex ideas into simple, everyday language. He doesn’t just translate words; he conveys the emotions and reflections behind them. Each couplet is followed by insightful commentary that explores the deeper meanings, making it easier for readers to connect with Ghalib’s work on a personal level.
One of the joys of this book is how it invites readers to see the world through Ghalib’s eyes. His poetry touches on universal themes – love, loss, longing, and the passage of time. Whether he’s writing about the beauty of nature, the pain of separation, or the fleeting nature of life, Ghalib’s words resonate deeply. Rahman’s thoughtful translations ensure that these themes shine through, even across languages.
The format of the book is also worth mentioning. Each Urdu couplet is paired with an English translation, allowing readers to appreciate the original language alongside the translated version. This thoughtful presentation adds to the richness of the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.
For anyone new to Ghalib, "The Essential Ghalib" is a perfect starting point. Rahman’s work not only introduces readers to one of Urdu literature’s greatest poets but also encourages them to explore further. For those already familiar with Ghalib’s poetry, the book offers a fresh perspective, reminding us why his work continues to matter so much.
All-in-all, "The Essential Ghalib" is a beautifully curated collection that brings Ghalib’s poetry to life in a way that feels both personal and profound. It’s a book that will stay with you, offering new insights with each reading, and reminding you of the power of poetry to touch the heart and mind.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews