Lucknow: Memories of a City

by Violette Graff (Editor)

This collection of pieces looks at 150 years of Lucknow's recent history, from its rise to grandeur during the Nawabi days to its political preeminent position today.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 1998

Reviews

[Revanth Ukkalam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read the yellow-covered Oxford publications when I want to consume something hard, something academic. But while I was shuffling through my college library I stumbled upon this book - right when I was visiting the city. The publication and title seemed like misfits, a bad marriage. But I took the book anyway. The phoyo of the mosque of Bara Imambara on the cover was the least attractive version of the monument I had seen. But the book was perfect! It had exactly what I wanted - the Nawabs of Awadh, their idiosyncrasies and absurd investments; their tastes for Kathak, Khayal, Urdu. The obsession with the fish in Lakhnavi monuments. It is an ode to culture. When I go to cities I want to relive their histories. This book let me do just that. I was able to imagine the cries of Henry Lawrence and the relief the Brits may have felt when John Inglis turned the tide of the siege. What came as a surprise was the essay on Lakhnavi courtesans - although the model of the free courtesan is popularly sprinkled on academia there was some queer freshness to this essay. There is an essay that urges that takes the reader through the history of one lane - Hazratgunj. Guess I cannot sell the book better.

[Shukkoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edited book on Lucknow is a good piece of work.will give you a vivid picture of Lucknawi culture and lucknavites till the 19th century.The articles by Imtiaz Ahmed "Tthrough the Eyes of a Street' is so awesome.The book mentions 'Ram Advani' bookshop at Hasratganj, Lucknow.Personally I have good experiences from the octogenarian owner of this bookshop Mr.Ram Advani.He frequently praising the literary and civic culture of South India especially Kerala.I strongly recommend you this book.