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My Life In My Words
A unique autobiography that provides an incomparable insight into the mind of a genius The Renaissance man of modern India, Rabindranath Tagore put his country on the literary map of the world when he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. My Life in My Words is, quite literally, Tagore on Tagore. Uma Das Gupta draws upon the vast repertoire of Tagore’s writings to create a vivid portrait of the life and times of one of India’s most influential cultural icons. The result is a rare glimpse into the world of Tagore: his family of pioneering entrepreneurs who shaped his worldview; the personal tragedies that influenced some of his most eloquent verse; his groundbreaking work in education and social reform; his constant endeavour to bring about a synthesis of the East and the West and his humanitarian approach to politics; and his rise to the status of an international poet. Meticulously researched and sensitively edited, this unique autobiography provides an incomparable insight into the mind of a genius.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2008
39 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Rabindranath Tagore
2,583 books4,260 followersAwarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 "because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West."
Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.
The complete works of Rabindranath Tagore (রবীন্দ্র রচনাবলী) in the original Bengali are now available at these third-party websites:
http://www.tagoreweb.in/
http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr....
Tagore modernised Bengali art by spurning rigid classical forms and resisting linguistic strictures. His novels, stories, songs, dance-dramas, and essays spoke to topics political and personal. Gitanjali (Song Offerings), Gora (Fair-Faced), and Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World) are his best-known works, and his verse, short stories, and novels were acclaimed—or panned—for their lyricism, colloquialism, naturalism, and unnatural contemplation. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.
The complete works of Rabindranath Tagore (রবীন্দ্র রচনাবলী) in the original Bengali are now available at these third-party websites:
http://www.tagoreweb.in/
http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr....
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 6, 2011
Uma Dasgupta has done civilization a wonderful deed by putting together this splendid compilation of Tagore's non-literary work. The selections effectively highlight what is arguably the more "relevant" side of Tagore, especially for a non-Bengali audience who might have neither the emotional background nor the patience to deal with his literary creations - Tagore the vehement anti-"nationalist", Tagore the true comprehender of the infinite, Tagore the "practical idealist". If only this book, or at least the parts of it dwelling on the related themes of nationalism, European imperialism, the structural issues with Indian and Western society, and the relationship between Europe and Asia, were made compulsory reading in high school today, the world might be a nobler place.
Another pleasant surprise, at least to one more familiar with the idea of Tagore being a Bengali poet, is the quality of his writing in English, as showcased by the parts of the compilation which are from letters written in English.
Another pleasant surprise, at least to one more familiar with the idea of Tagore being a Bengali poet, is the quality of his writing in English, as showcased by the parts of the compilation which are from letters written in English.
December 8, 2012
Excerpts from my review at Solomon Says:
"My Life in My Words" is divided into two sections; the first titled “My Life” is the actual autobiography in 25 chapters. It starts with a brief outline UDG, then hands over to excerpts carefully culled from Tagore’s vast body of writing (in Bangla and English) and his voluminous correspondence to paint a complete picture of the events, and ideas dominating a period of his life. The result is quite unlike a regular biography.
The second and much shorter section titled “My Thoughts” is a more conventional affair, being a collection of short pieces (usually excerpts from longer works) on subjects that mattered the most to Tagore – nature, his country, and his life. These are extremely impassioned pieces, in some ways much more autobiographical than the previous section.
This book is not merely about Tagore. It is about the cultural and political currents of Bengal of his times. It is about Ram Mohan Roy’s renaissance, Calcutta’s urbanization, and the retreat of the wilderness. It is about the world as it convulsed with two world wars, about oriental nations rejecting their ancient identities in favour of a hollow and bellicose westernization, and about an India struggling with its identity and independence.
The most fascinating sections of the book are those which describe the author’s childhood. His prose-poetry brings his own vivid imagination to life in writing and drags the reader into the wide open spaces and narrow corridors where he played as child. Effused with childlike wonder at everything, it is effortless to read and impossible to not be enchanted by.
For bringing afresh to us the words of Rabindranath Tagore, often ignored in our times as a brilliant but reclusive poet, we are indebted to UDG. Although in no way comparable to a complete collection of works more suitable to research, My Life in My Words is an enchanting glimpse into his multifaceted personality. If you must know India, you must know Tagore, and this book is a fantastic stepping stone for this.
"My Life in My Words" is divided into two sections; the first titled “My Life” is the actual autobiography in 25 chapters. It starts with a brief outline UDG, then hands over to excerpts carefully culled from Tagore’s vast body of writing (in Bangla and English) and his voluminous correspondence to paint a complete picture of the events, and ideas dominating a period of his life. The result is quite unlike a regular biography.
The second and much shorter section titled “My Thoughts” is a more conventional affair, being a collection of short pieces (usually excerpts from longer works) on subjects that mattered the most to Tagore – nature, his country, and his life. These are extremely impassioned pieces, in some ways much more autobiographical than the previous section.
This book is not merely about Tagore. It is about the cultural and political currents of Bengal of his times. It is about Ram Mohan Roy’s renaissance, Calcutta’s urbanization, and the retreat of the wilderness. It is about the world as it convulsed with two world wars, about oriental nations rejecting their ancient identities in favour of a hollow and bellicose westernization, and about an India struggling with its identity and independence.
The most fascinating sections of the book are those which describe the author’s childhood. His prose-poetry brings his own vivid imagination to life in writing and drags the reader into the wide open spaces and narrow corridors where he played as child. Effused with childlike wonder at everything, it is effortless to read and impossible to not be enchanted by.
For bringing afresh to us the words of Rabindranath Tagore, often ignored in our times as a brilliant but reclusive poet, we are indebted to UDG. Although in no way comparable to a complete collection of works more suitable to research, My Life in My Words is an enchanting glimpse into his multifaceted personality. If you must know India, you must know Tagore, and this book is a fantastic stepping stone for this.
July 19, 2013
Good book and great work by Uma Dasgupta in painting a portrait of Tagore through his letters. Reminds us of the prodigious numbers of letters people used to write in those days, an art which should not have died the way it did.
The book would have been better (crisper, more apt and dramatic) if "Part II" were not there and the book had ended in "Part I". The fascination, the awe which Part I generated, somehow got lost with the addition of Part II. The story ended, but continued in a very broken manner in Part II.
The book would have been better (crisper, more apt and dramatic) if "Part II" were not there and the book had ended in "Part I". The fascination, the awe which Part I generated, somehow got lost with the addition of Part II. The story ended, but continued in a very broken manner in Part II.
March 18, 2024
My Life in My Words, compiled by Uma Das Gupta, offers a unique window into the mind and heart of Rabindranath Tagore, one of India's most celebrated literary figures. Through a collection of his letters, speeches, and excerpts from other writings, the book paints a self-portrait of a multifaceted genius.
Reading Tagore's own words provides an intimate and unfiltered perspective on his life and thoughts. We witness his artistic awakening, grapple with his personal struggles, and gain insight into his evolving ideas on social reform and education. Tagore was more than just a poet. The book delves into his work as a painter, composer, and educator, showcasing the breadth of his creative spirit. The letters are carefully curated to provide context for Tagore's experiences. We learn about the social and political landscape of colonial India, shaping a deeper understanding of his work.
My Life in My Words remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in Tagore or Indian history. It's not just a biography; it's a conversation with a towering figure of modern literature. Whether you're a Tagore devotee or simply curious about his life and work, this book offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Reading Tagore's own words provides an intimate and unfiltered perspective on his life and thoughts. We witness his artistic awakening, grapple with his personal struggles, and gain insight into his evolving ideas on social reform and education. Tagore was more than just a poet. The book delves into his work as a painter, composer, and educator, showcasing the breadth of his creative spirit. The letters are carefully curated to provide context for Tagore's experiences. We learn about the social and political landscape of colonial India, shaping a deeper understanding of his work.
My Life in My Words remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in Tagore or Indian history. It's not just a biography; it's a conversation with a towering figure of modern literature. Whether you're a Tagore devotee or simply curious about his life and work, this book offers a rich and rewarding experience.
November 18, 2018
Rabindranath's thoughts are always soothing.
The book is collection of letters written by Tagore in chronological order with some background around the events. He seems very truthful while expressing his feelings in letters.
I loved the idea of being a poet and getting away from 'worldly jobs'.
The book is collection of letters written by Tagore in chronological order with some background around the events. He seems very truthful while expressing his feelings in letters.
I loved the idea of being a poet and getting away from 'worldly jobs'.
September 14, 2018
This book is truly for Tagore fans. While I found Tagore's childhood and personal life interesting, the sections on his travels and speeches less entertaining.
January 1, 2024
remarkable
May 10, 2025
I want to read plz
June 7, 2020
it is a nice book which gave a brief history about shri shri rabindranath tagore
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2017
Although I have read other biographies on Tagore and know quiet a bit about his life, the way this has been done is unique and interesting. His lifespan of 81 years has been divided into 24 sections and the author has written a short one page, skeletal outline of events and dates pertaining
To the section. Each section is then populated from Tagore's own writings on the events - from his biography and correspondence with a wide spectrum of people. Since he was such a prolific writer, he has opined on so many contemporary issues spanning the period from 1880s to 1930s. I got to know him far more than in the earlier biographies I had read - his concern for humanity and love for nature shine through, as they do in so many of the poems.
To the section. Each section is then populated from Tagore's own writings on the events - from his biography and correspondence with a wide spectrum of people. Since he was such a prolific writer, he has opined on so many contemporary issues spanning the period from 1880s to 1930s. I got to know him far more than in the earlier biographies I had read - his concern for humanity and love for nature shine through, as they do in so many of the poems.
January 23, 2014
As a novice to Gurudev's works, I was captivated by his ability to bring words to life and make the reader visualize the narration in real time as though watching a feature film. The phenomenal number of letters written by him makes one reminisce and miss the art of letter writing in current times. The effort put in Uma Das Gupta to present an autobiographical account through his letters is indeed commendable.
However, Gurudev's style of writing demands concentration and patience of the reader to fully comprehend and enjoy his genius and may disappoint a leisurely and breezy reader.
However, Gurudev's style of writing demands concentration and patience of the reader to fully comprehend and enjoy his genius and may disappoint a leisurely and breezy reader.
Want to read
January 17, 2016Really enjoying reading this. Letters and snippets that he wrote in English being used to convey his biography. It's very interesting and enjoyable at the same time. So far my favourite chapter has been the one where he comes to England and everyone is trying to explain things to him, that the English would be able to draw you a map beyond life (of death), but they don't know of India - and they try to explain a camera as if it is magic, as if he wouldn't know what it is...
Taking the reading slowly.
Taking the reading slowly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2014
What a man! What a persona! What a human being! A very detailed and well edited book covering almost all phases of Mr. Tagore's life. The book becomes more important and interesting as it is all about Mr. Tagore's life description in his words via his letters!
Worth reading! A Gem!
Worth reading! A Gem!
April 9, 2015
Great Work by Uma Das Gupta. Putting together the letter and write ups of one of the most influential Indian and a Teacher of Contemporary eminent Indians. Superb collection of writings of rabindranath tagore.
November 26, 2013
Engrossing and like nostalgia, having grown up reading stories about and by Rabindranath Tagore
August 10, 2014
Awesome!! Really loved the way the book was translated. Great work by Uma Dasgupta. And of course the great RabindraNath Tagore at his best!
March 23, 2014
indeed, a good book describing not only his thought but also culture and condition during that time. help me to travel to the old days....
October 12, 2015
A master storyteller. I could visualise each setting , such is the beauty of his words. Although some places, there was repetition of the same thoughts which could have been omitted.
December 9, 2018
Prelistal sem knjigo o meni neznani osebi in naletel na zelo zanimiv citat (zadnja platnica):
"Resničnost je kot zaklad,
ne puščamo je razkrite na obrobju svojega jaza.
Čaka, da jo raziščemo, in približamo se ji lahko
le v resnih trenutkih."
"Resničnost je kot zaklad,
ne puščamo je razkrite na obrobju svojega jaza.
Čaka, da jo raziščemo, in približamo se ji lahko
le v resnih trenutkih."
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews