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The Essence of Delhi
One of the meanings of the word ‘olio’ is ‘a miscellany’. the books in the aleph olio series contain a mélange of the finest writing to be had on a variety of Indian themes—the great cities, aspects of Indian culture and civilization, uniquely Indian phenomena. Filled with insights and haunting evocations of a country of unrivalled complexity, beauty, tragedy and mystery, each aleph olio book presents India in ways that it has seldom been seen before. The essence of Delhi captures the ‘riches and horrors’ (in William Dalrymple phrase) of the myriad cities of Delhi, beginning with the first one established by Suraj pal, a Tomar Rajput, at the edge of the Aravalli hills. The writers who feature in this volume are Malvika Singh, Ahmed Ali, kamaleshwar, Khushwant Singh, William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma, Aatish taseer, nilanjana Roy, Pamela Timms, Ruskin Bond, Deepti Kapoor and Siddharth Chowdhury.
- GenresIndiaNonfictionHistory
140 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 10, 2019
"I asked my soul: What is Delhi? She replied: The World is the body and Delhi is life."- Mirza Ghalib
The Essence of Delhi a book in the Aleph Olio series, which brings together stories and essays that explore, embrace and examine the experience that is Delhi.
Each story calls out to an integral aspect that makes Delhi what it is.
Stretched across decades, the stories encapsulate the historical might of the city along with the horrors it holds within.
Painting a vivid picture of the people and landscape it is hard not to like Delhi at the end of this collection.
I've always had a very love-hate relationship with the city and it seems as though it is everybody's experience according to this book.
The collection includes prominent authors such as William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma, Aatish Taseer etc. All of whom are authors worth exploring independently.
I wish they do this for every city in the country and that would such a lovely series to offer to the world!
The Essence of Delhi a book in the Aleph Olio series, which brings together stories and essays that explore, embrace and examine the experience that is Delhi.
Each story calls out to an integral aspect that makes Delhi what it is.
Stretched across decades, the stories encapsulate the historical might of the city along with the horrors it holds within.
Painting a vivid picture of the people and landscape it is hard not to like Delhi at the end of this collection.
I've always had a very love-hate relationship with the city and it seems as though it is everybody's experience according to this book.
The collection includes prominent authors such as William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma, Aatish Taseer etc. All of whom are authors worth exploring independently.
I wish they do this for every city in the country and that would such a lovely series to offer to the world!
February 24, 2019
The Essence of Delhi brings us 12 stories that talks about Delhi as a Phoenix- rising from its ashes only to be demolished again and again. We also get to see a few typical Delhi households- full of laughter and joy and friendly banters, boys living their best life in the streets of Delhi.
The collection contains stories by 12 notable writers. A glimpse of each story is mentioned below.
Perpetual City by Malvika Singh: A formal introduction of the history of Delhi and the glories this city shared with fellow humans.
Twilight in Delhi by Ahmed Ali: An account of a typical twilight in Delhi and the daily activities that involve feeding the pigeons
A Death in Delhi by Kamaleshwar: A day of Mourning, but not really. Delhites find themselves amidst a funeral and their reaction is the most typical one.
Delhi by Khuswant Singh: Khuswant’s Singh’s version of Delhi, and a very interesting one.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple: An passage from Dalrymple’s book on Delhi.
Signs by Nirmal Verma: A boy’s journey from a book worm to a skater
The Temple-Goers by Aatish Taseer: A strange description of two lost souls trying to understand the city.
A New Arrival by Nilanjana Roy: An intruder into the lives of the street cats residing in Nizammudin and the threat it possesses (A favorite from the collection)
God’s Own Street Food by Pamela Timms: One woman’s quest to know the secret behind the famous ‘Daulat ki chaat’
Bhabiji’s House by Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond’s favorite household in Delhi, full of crazy characters brought together by a good movie and great food.
A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor: A story of losing oneself to the Qawwali in a Mosque.
Death of a Proofreader by Siddharth Chowdhury: A ardent lover of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ we get to meet a Highlander Proofreader and his life of service and friendships.
The collection contains stories by 12 notable writers. A glimpse of each story is mentioned below.
Perpetual City by Malvika Singh: A formal introduction of the history of Delhi and the glories this city shared with fellow humans.
Twilight in Delhi by Ahmed Ali: An account of a typical twilight in Delhi and the daily activities that involve feeding the pigeons
A Death in Delhi by Kamaleshwar: A day of Mourning, but not really. Delhites find themselves amidst a funeral and their reaction is the most typical one.
Delhi by Khuswant Singh: Khuswant’s Singh’s version of Delhi, and a very interesting one.
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple: An passage from Dalrymple’s book on Delhi.
Signs by Nirmal Verma: A boy’s journey from a book worm to a skater
The Temple-Goers by Aatish Taseer: A strange description of two lost souls trying to understand the city.
A New Arrival by Nilanjana Roy: An intruder into the lives of the street cats residing in Nizammudin and the threat it possesses (A favorite from the collection)
God’s Own Street Food by Pamela Timms: One woman’s quest to know the secret behind the famous ‘Daulat ki chaat’
Bhabiji’s House by Ruskin Bond: Ruskin Bond’s favorite household in Delhi, full of crazy characters brought together by a good movie and great food.
A Bad Character by Deepti Kapoor: A story of losing oneself to the Qawwali in a Mosque.
Death of a Proofreader by Siddharth Chowdhury: A ardent lover of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ we get to meet a Highlander Proofreader and his life of service and friendships.
Read
February 23, 2019The Essence of Delhi is a collection of Short Stories and essays by various Authors: William Dalrymple, Khushwant Singh, Nirmala Verma, Pamela Timms, Ruskin Bond, and many more such Authors. It is a part of Olio Series from Aleph Book Company.
Each story or the essay spoke of the experience of the writer, enchanting you with its lyrical prose. I couldn’t pinpoint a single story which I did not like. Each was an experience which I savored deep within.
The book is requiem to the splendor of a city which still survives but is lost to us. This book delivers stories as enjoyable as it is enchanting, as emotional as it is descriptive. The book 'Essence of Delhi' transported me into the very core of Delhi. I started craving the very air of Delhi.
A lot of thought has gone into structuring the book, and how a mélange of layers from Delhi's present to the back through layers of history, into Lutyens' Delhi, Shah Jehanabad to Chandani Chowk has made it a gem of a read.
Grandeur and beauty hid amidst everyday life, yet a city that has retained its soul through ages. The History and people of Delhi are now embedded in every being of my soul. While reading the 'The Essence of Delhi', I literally felt the pull of it calling my name. I could hardly stop myself from talking about this book to almost everyone. Sharing the stories with them.
The book is a melange of Delhi’s culture, its land, and its people. 'The Essence of Delhi' is a delight to read. This book deserves more than 5-star ratings. This book deserves to be treasured on Bookshelf. I recommend this book every reader, be that a fiction lover or a nonfiction lover.
Thank you @alephbookco for the review copies.
Each story or the essay spoke of the experience of the writer, enchanting you with its lyrical prose. I couldn’t pinpoint a single story which I did not like. Each was an experience which I savored deep within.
The book is requiem to the splendor of a city which still survives but is lost to us. This book delivers stories as enjoyable as it is enchanting, as emotional as it is descriptive. The book 'Essence of Delhi' transported me into the very core of Delhi. I started craving the very air of Delhi.
A lot of thought has gone into structuring the book, and how a mélange of layers from Delhi's present to the back through layers of history, into Lutyens' Delhi, Shah Jehanabad to Chandani Chowk has made it a gem of a read.
Grandeur and beauty hid amidst everyday life, yet a city that has retained its soul through ages. The History and people of Delhi are now embedded in every being of my soul. While reading the 'The Essence of Delhi', I literally felt the pull of it calling my name. I could hardly stop myself from talking about this book to almost everyone. Sharing the stories with them.
The book is a melange of Delhi’s culture, its land, and its people. 'The Essence of Delhi' is a delight to read. This book deserves more than 5-star ratings. This book deserves to be treasured on Bookshelf. I recommend this book every reader, be that a fiction lover or a nonfiction lover.
Thank you @alephbookco for the review copies.
February 13, 2026
The Essence of Delhi is a compilation of various pieces/essays/snippets, fiction, non-fiction, taken from other books, collections, or translated literature. The common theme all have is Delhi. Some talk about the Delhi they inhabit, some talk about the Delhi they are fascinated by, some are stories set in Delhi.
The Delhi being covered ranges from Mehrauli to Rajouri Garden to Daryaganj to Chandni Chowk to Paharganj. There is the White Gaze of foreign writers and journalists who have an understandable fascination with the city, there is the lived experience of people who have grown up and been moulded by the city, and there is the enchanting encounters that those have who come to live in the city from other places of the country.
The book, to its credit, never feels preachy or monotonous. It covers history, love, sex, drugs, pain, heartbreak, comedy, the publishing and journalism circuit, the post-Partition refugees, animals of the city, food, mysticism - pretty much as you can think of when you say "Delhi".
I am not going to lie, I have a soft spot (it's probably a whole soft heart) for this city. I am completely in a chokehold by it (metaphorically and literally) so it's relatively easy to have me sold. But then my standards for writings about this city are high, and there the book does not falter. Some of the essays here had already been read by me in other works, but most were new. And it never loses pace from one story to another. The collection is curated thoughtfully, knowingly, and some pieces were so good I had to check out their source material separately (Nilanjana Roy, Siddharth Chowdhury, Ahmed Ali), while some fell a little flat (Aatish Taseer, Nirmal Verma).
But how does any of it matter, because all it does is continue to make me be deep in love with this place and expanding my Delhi Books collection.
The Delhi being covered ranges from Mehrauli to Rajouri Garden to Daryaganj to Chandni Chowk to Paharganj. There is the White Gaze of foreign writers and journalists who have an understandable fascination with the city, there is the lived experience of people who have grown up and been moulded by the city, and there is the enchanting encounters that those have who come to live in the city from other places of the country.
The book, to its credit, never feels preachy or monotonous. It covers history, love, sex, drugs, pain, heartbreak, comedy, the publishing and journalism circuit, the post-Partition refugees, animals of the city, food, mysticism - pretty much as you can think of when you say "Delhi".
I am not going to lie, I have a soft spot (it's probably a whole soft heart) for this city. I am completely in a chokehold by it (metaphorically and literally) so it's relatively easy to have me sold. But then my standards for writings about this city are high, and there the book does not falter. Some of the essays here had already been read by me in other works, but most were new. And it never loses pace from one story to another. The collection is curated thoughtfully, knowingly, and some pieces were so good I had to check out their source material separately (Nilanjana Roy, Siddharth Chowdhury, Ahmed Ali), while some fell a little flat (Aatish Taseer, Nirmal Verma).
But how does any of it matter, because all it does is continue to make me be deep in love with this place and expanding my Delhi Books collection.
August 15, 2020
The Essence of Delhi is a collection of stories and essays centered around Delhi. With works of some of India’s celebrated authors like Khushwant Singh, Ahmed Ali and Ruskin Bond, the book is an eye-opener to people unfamiliar with the city.
The book is a part of Aleph Book Company’s latest series–Aleph Olio. Centered around various Indian themes—from the diverse cultures to the great cities–Aleph Olio showcases some of the finest writings from some of India’s best writers. The amount of work that has gone into the compilation of this book is evident in the quality of the stories; hats off to the publisher for this.
The Delhi that I knew was the Delhi that I have heard about from my roommates and whatever I have read about in newspapers and watched in movies. Earlier, when I thought of Delhi, what stood out was the pollution, the politics, Connaught Palace, the upscale restaurants and cafes in South Delhi, the shops of Sarojini Nagar and the extreme climate. This book introduced me to the true essence of Delhi–its cats, its people, its food, its streets–and especially–its cities. One of the best parts about the book is that it does not cater to any one genre. There’s sci-fi, humor, drama, tragedy and what not! It ensured that every reader will be able to find something of their likeness.
The book begins with Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City, which takes the reader to the very beginning of Delhi, way back in the eighth century. While Khushwant Singh’s Delhi gives you a glimpse of the various nuances of the city that awaits him each time he visits, Ruskin Bond’s Bhabiji’s House is humorous in his experiences with a joint family. While picking a favourite out of the 12 is a tough task, Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food has left a lasting impression. As she fondly writes about Delhi’s unique street food–Daulat ki chaat, I could imagine the softness melting in my mouth and had my mouth watering. If nothing else, Daulat ki chaat is one reason I would definitely visit Delhi for.
I highly recommend this book if you:
-love Delhi,
-miss Delhi,
-has never been to Delhi.
This beautiful collection will take you on a trip down memory lane or if, like me, you have never been to Delhi, it will leave you craving for Daulat ki chaat or to traverse the myriad cities of Delhi. This quick read is apt when you are going through a reading slump or is looking for a light read with your evening tea or coffee.
The book is a part of Aleph Book Company’s latest series–Aleph Olio. Centered around various Indian themes—from the diverse cultures to the great cities–Aleph Olio showcases some of the finest writings from some of India’s best writers. The amount of work that has gone into the compilation of this book is evident in the quality of the stories; hats off to the publisher for this.
The Delhi that I knew was the Delhi that I have heard about from my roommates and whatever I have read about in newspapers and watched in movies. Earlier, when I thought of Delhi, what stood out was the pollution, the politics, Connaught Palace, the upscale restaurants and cafes in South Delhi, the shops of Sarojini Nagar and the extreme climate. This book introduced me to the true essence of Delhi–its cats, its people, its food, its streets–and especially–its cities. One of the best parts about the book is that it does not cater to any one genre. There’s sci-fi, humor, drama, tragedy and what not! It ensured that every reader will be able to find something of their likeness.
The book begins with Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City, which takes the reader to the very beginning of Delhi, way back in the eighth century. While Khushwant Singh’s Delhi gives you a glimpse of the various nuances of the city that awaits him each time he visits, Ruskin Bond’s Bhabiji’s House is humorous in his experiences with a joint family. While picking a favourite out of the 12 is a tough task, Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food has left a lasting impression. As she fondly writes about Delhi’s unique street food–Daulat ki chaat, I could imagine the softness melting in my mouth and had my mouth watering. If nothing else, Daulat ki chaat is one reason I would definitely visit Delhi for.
I highly recommend this book if you:
-love Delhi,
-miss Delhi,
-has never been to Delhi.
This beautiful collection will take you on a trip down memory lane or if, like me, you have never been to Delhi, it will leave you craving for Daulat ki chaat or to traverse the myriad cities of Delhi. This quick read is apt when you are going through a reading slump or is looking for a light read with your evening tea or coffee.
March 30, 2019
"The Essence of Delhi" encapsulates the spirit of the city Delhi, in all its complexities, tragedies, and charm.
12 stories that aim to capture the glories of the riches and the miseries of the poor, the history that is lost, and the potential that the future holds.
🌷
From Malvika Singh's introduction to the history of the city, Khushwant Singh's description of the nitty gritty's of life of a Delhite, William Dalrymple's depiction of the metropolis as the city of Djinns, to Ruskin Bond's portrayal of the life in Punjabi household headed by a matriarch, each story unfolds with such interlude, one cannot help but marvel at how simple things can be a cause of great joy.
🌷
These authors need no introduction and even before picking up the book, I was sure I am in for a good time and I am glad the book didn't disappoint me at any point.
One can take their time reading each story and allow it to be taken in in all its essence, a flavor of the city composed of a myriad of emotions, its grandeur, its distress and hardships, the culinary delights that the city offers and the spirit that the people exhibit even with all the chaos.
🌷
A city that rises from its ruins and coexists with a glimpse of the past and a promise of the future.
.
.
.
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Genre: non-fiction, short-stories, indian-literature, indian-author
12 stories that aim to capture the glories of the riches and the miseries of the poor, the history that is lost, and the potential that the future holds.
🌷
From Malvika Singh's introduction to the history of the city, Khushwant Singh's description of the nitty gritty's of life of a Delhite, William Dalrymple's depiction of the metropolis as the city of Djinns, to Ruskin Bond's portrayal of the life in Punjabi household headed by a matriarch, each story unfolds with such interlude, one cannot help but marvel at how simple things can be a cause of great joy.
🌷
These authors need no introduction and even before picking up the book, I was sure I am in for a good time and I am glad the book didn't disappoint me at any point.
One can take their time reading each story and allow it to be taken in in all its essence, a flavor of the city composed of a myriad of emotions, its grandeur, its distress and hardships, the culinary delights that the city offers and the spirit that the people exhibit even with all the chaos.
🌷
A city that rises from its ruins and coexists with a glimpse of the past and a promise of the future.
.
.
.
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Genre: non-fiction, short-stories, indian-literature, indian-author
March 12, 2019
The Essence of Delhi coincides with my move to Delhi and while I loved Malvika Singh's Perpetual City, which traces the roots of the city, there are other stories that unravels life and the ethos of Delhi. The story ‘Signs’ by Nirmal Verma is deeply poignant wherein a 64/65 year old man reminiscences when asked to write about his experience of seeing the Partition as he grew up in the said time frame. He refuses but his thoughts go back to time, taking us to an innocent and youthful romance that could have taken root and the unsaid and unwritten part of the story is what stays on with the reader.
Many of the stories and essays in the collection takes one to the by-lanes of Delhi, some familiar and some others not so familiar. I particularly found Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food about her search for the myths and facts of making the famous Daulat ki Chaat in the grimy lanes of the Old Delhi area fascinating. It made me remember my own jaunt along the Jama Masjid area to taste the delicacy I had heard so much about.
Recommending this book for people who want to read about Delhi. This one will give you a good sneak peek about the city.
Many of the stories and essays in the collection takes one to the by-lanes of Delhi, some familiar and some others not so familiar. I particularly found Pamela Timms’ God’s Own Street Food about her search for the myths and facts of making the famous Daulat ki Chaat in the grimy lanes of the Old Delhi area fascinating. It made me remember my own jaunt along the Jama Masjid area to taste the delicacy I had heard so much about.
Recommending this book for people who want to read about Delhi. This one will give you a good sneak peek about the city.
June 21, 2025
This collection of stories and essays has 12 gems on Delhi and its soul. Seen from myriad perspectives, the stories try to capture the essence of the city that has bewitched emperors and saints alike.
From its rich history to everyday modern life, love and matrimony, joint families to bohemian lives, the pain of partition, pigeon flying to funeral, the range of experiences these stories offer is truly delectable and equally moving. The authors themselves are a stellar lot. No wonder, their writing is equally good.
From its rich history to everyday modern life, love and matrimony, joint families to bohemian lives, the pain of partition, pigeon flying to funeral, the range of experiences these stories offer is truly delectable and equally moving. The authors themselves are a stellar lot. No wonder, their writing is equally good.
May 19, 2023
An average collection of short stories about Dilli.
April 15, 2019
I have visited Delhi several times and so, could visualise most of the scenes occurring in the book, whether it be the bustling streets of Paharganj or the delicious food items at display. But, again, each author presented a new picture on Delhi and I realized all the myriads of views and sounds that I had taken for granted in my earlier trips and that now, has a new meaning in my eyes. That is how powerful these writings are. In a few words, you are pulled to the bygone days and brought back to the present as you think about the future.
'The Essence of Delhi' has become one of my favourite book of short stories and essays as it so elaborately and beautifully portrays Delhi. The writers you will find in this fascinating volume by Aleph Olio are Aatish Taseer, Ahmed Ali, Deepti Kapoor, Kamaleshwar, Khushwant Singh, Malvika Singh, Nilanjana Roy, Nirmal Verma, Pamela Timms, Ruskin Bond, Siddharth Chowdhury and William Dalrymple.
I appreciate the initiative and intention behind Aleph Olio, to bring forth the finest of writings on themes and scenarios that captures the unique and diverse elements of India. Once you go through the different works in this book you will be fascinated by the wide range of perceptions on Delhi you will get a taste of… whether it be the forgotten lanes of the city, the soul – touching melody echoing from a Dargah, the stifling heat waves in the afternoons, the spectrum of cultures overlaying each other, the 100 year old held tradition of a daulat ki chaat or the enthusiastic pigeon fliers on the roofs.
The entertainment quotient is never low and the plotline and its climax, in each piece, leaves one sated and sometimes, also mesmerised. What else can you expect from the writings of some of India’s major authors? It is a treat for all the readers. A prized possession of mine.
I love the way it is presented as well... the simple yet elegant cover art over the hardcover, protecting the pages which are crafted with care. Overall, Aleph Olio comes with a great package that can cater to a vast range of readers.
I would recommend this light yet pleasant collection of short stories and essays to anyone who is looking for one and enjoy Malvika Singh’s guide to the past, Kamaleshwar’s realistic observations, Khushwant Singh’s honest narration and Ruskin Bond’s eye to the minutest details among many other authors who have poured their hearts to describe the essence of Delhi.
'The Essence of Delhi' has become one of my favourite book of short stories and essays as it so elaborately and beautifully portrays Delhi. The writers you will find in this fascinating volume by Aleph Olio are Aatish Taseer, Ahmed Ali, Deepti Kapoor, Kamaleshwar, Khushwant Singh, Malvika Singh, Nilanjana Roy, Nirmal Verma, Pamela Timms, Ruskin Bond, Siddharth Chowdhury and William Dalrymple.
I appreciate the initiative and intention behind Aleph Olio, to bring forth the finest of writings on themes and scenarios that captures the unique and diverse elements of India. Once you go through the different works in this book you will be fascinated by the wide range of perceptions on Delhi you will get a taste of… whether it be the forgotten lanes of the city, the soul – touching melody echoing from a Dargah, the stifling heat waves in the afternoons, the spectrum of cultures overlaying each other, the 100 year old held tradition of a daulat ki chaat or the enthusiastic pigeon fliers on the roofs.
The entertainment quotient is never low and the plotline and its climax, in each piece, leaves one sated and sometimes, also mesmerised. What else can you expect from the writings of some of India’s major authors? It is a treat for all the readers. A prized possession of mine.
I love the way it is presented as well... the simple yet elegant cover art over the hardcover, protecting the pages which are crafted with care. Overall, Aleph Olio comes with a great package that can cater to a vast range of readers.
I would recommend this light yet pleasant collection of short stories and essays to anyone who is looking for one and enjoy Malvika Singh’s guide to the past, Kamaleshwar’s realistic observations, Khushwant Singh’s honest narration and Ruskin Bond’s eye to the minutest details among many other authors who have poured their hearts to describe the essence of Delhi.
May 10, 2019
💭💭 R. E. V. I. E. W 💭💭
@boocklish
Title : THE ESSENCE OF DELHI
Author : Various
Publication : @alephbookco
This is very short book containing various stories and essays about the city DELHI!!
Stories are written by various renown authors!! Like Khushwant Singh, Ruskin Bond and Malvika Singh etc..
Most of them described well the beauty, history, local heritages, food and people of Delhi..
.
There are total 12 stories and here are someof My favourites ♥ .
💜 PERPETUAL CITY by Malvika Singh.. It talks about the history and existence of Delhi and how its value enhanced at the time of Mughal period !! .
.
💜 TWILIGHT IN DELHI by Ahmed Ali describes the local people of Delhi and their local daily activities..
.
.
💜 GOD'S OWN STREET FOOD by Pamela Timms
It talks about the mouth watering street foods of Delhi and why it's so much famous among foodies and food bloggers!! It also talks about " DAULAT KI CHAAT" and the secret behind it's delicious taste
.
💜 CITY OF DJINNS by William Dalrymple
In this story He talks about of his own personal experiences in Delhi and why he's so much mesmerized by it's beauty!! This is must to read.
.
.
Language is easy and lucid..
I would like to reccomend this book to everyone...
It's a goodone to read!!
This book perfectly describes the beauty of DELHI!!
My ratings - 4.5 🌟 /5
@boocklish
Title : THE ESSENCE OF DELHI
Author : Various
Publication : @alephbookco
This is very short book containing various stories and essays about the city DELHI!!
Stories are written by various renown authors!! Like Khushwant Singh, Ruskin Bond and Malvika Singh etc..
Most of them described well the beauty, history, local heritages, food and people of Delhi..
.
There are total 12 stories and here are someof My favourites ♥ .
💜 PERPETUAL CITY by Malvika Singh.. It talks about the history and existence of Delhi and how its value enhanced at the time of Mughal period !! .
.
💜 TWILIGHT IN DELHI by Ahmed Ali describes the local people of Delhi and their local daily activities..
.
.
💜 GOD'S OWN STREET FOOD by Pamela Timms
It talks about the mouth watering street foods of Delhi and why it's so much famous among foodies and food bloggers!! It also talks about " DAULAT KI CHAAT" and the secret behind it's delicious taste
.
💜 CITY OF DJINNS by William Dalrymple
In this story He talks about of his own personal experiences in Delhi and why he's so much mesmerized by it's beauty!! This is must to read.
.
.
Language is easy and lucid..
I would like to reccomend this book to everyone...
It's a goodone to read!!
This book perfectly describes the beauty of DELHI!!
My ratings - 4.5 🌟 /5
March 29, 2019
The Essence of Delhi is a new release from the house of - Aleph Olio @alephbookco. It has some of the best write up collections from popular authors and critics from around the country capturing the enigmatic capital of India. .
.
There are 12 contents within 127 pages priced at 399/- ( You may get it at discount online ) comprising of short stories , some historical descriptions and few journal captures by the known authors like Khushwant singh , Ruskin Bond ,Malvika Singh , Ahmed Ali , Nirmal Verma and few more who are winners of Padma Bhusan , Sahitya akademi , Shakti bhatt first book award and even directors of popular Zee Jaipur literature festival. .
.
Every single page oozes out the essence of the historic grandeur of the capital of India letting you feel the sweet beauty and complex taste of different corners of the city taking you through the the path of palaces, the warmth of punjabi households to the distant red light areas . .
A wonderful collection of write ups that should help you adorn your bookshelf with its beauty as it is also aesthetically pleasant with blue hardcover and minimal presentation on cover along with good page quality and font size . .
.
.
There are 12 contents within 127 pages priced at 399/- ( You may get it at discount online ) comprising of short stories , some historical descriptions and few journal captures by the known authors like Khushwant singh , Ruskin Bond ,Malvika Singh , Ahmed Ali , Nirmal Verma and few more who are winners of Padma Bhusan , Sahitya akademi , Shakti bhatt first book award and even directors of popular Zee Jaipur literature festival. .
.
Every single page oozes out the essence of the historic grandeur of the capital of India letting you feel the sweet beauty and complex taste of different corners of the city taking you through the the path of palaces, the warmth of punjabi households to the distant red light areas . .
A wonderful collection of write ups that should help you adorn your bookshelf with its beauty as it is also aesthetically pleasant with blue hardcover and minimal presentation on cover along with good page quality and font size . .
.
March 27, 2019
Name- The Essence of Delhi
Published by- Aleph Book Company
Genre- Non-fiction (Short Stories)
Pages- 127
Review-
Short stories are growing on me, for sure.
The Essence of Delhi is a part of the Aleph olio collection. One of the many meanings of the word 'Olio' is 'a miscellany'.
This book talks about one of the great cities, India's capital- Delhi.
The book is really well structured. The first story takes us to the past describing a land which was first recorded in the history as a land ruled by some great rulers.
There are some well written stories which shows the various perspectives of people living in the city.
There was a story which talked about death. Prior to reading that story I couldn't imagine death being linked to a city or rather the inhabitants.
Khushwant Singh's account of Delhi was totally different. I loved his witty remarks and his views of the city.
I loved the stories and though they weren't exactly of the same type but I guess that's where miscellany comes into play.
Published by- Aleph Book Company
Genre- Non-fiction (Short Stories)
Pages- 127
Review-
Short stories are growing on me, for sure.
The Essence of Delhi is a part of the Aleph olio collection. One of the many meanings of the word 'Olio' is 'a miscellany'.
This book talks about one of the great cities, India's capital- Delhi.
The book is really well structured. The first story takes us to the past describing a land which was first recorded in the history as a land ruled by some great rulers.
There are some well written stories which shows the various perspectives of people living in the city.
There was a story which talked about death. Prior to reading that story I couldn't imagine death being linked to a city or rather the inhabitants.
Khushwant Singh's account of Delhi was totally different. I loved his witty remarks and his views of the city.
I loved the stories and though they weren't exactly of the same type but I guess that's where miscellany comes into play.
May 16, 2026
Decent collection of short stories and novel excerpts revolving around the great city of Delhi. Definitely a nice way to read your way "into" the rich historical and literary heritage of the beautifully messy metropolis - and of a city that never sleeps. Serves also aptly as first contact with the literature of the Indian subcontinent as these texts make you wanting to read the full works behind this collection.
April 19, 2019
The Essence of Delhi comproses of 12 pieces of writing on Delhi. Their are short stories and excerpts taken from longer works on Delhi.
The authors included in the collection are Malvika Singh, Khushwant Singh, William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma and Ruskin Bond among others. Two of the stories in the collection are originally witten in Hindi. And I feel this is one of the best things about the collection. It brings together different flavors on a single palate.
Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City provides a historical account of the city and an excerpt from Darlymple’s City of Djinns presents a curious (not historical) account of the city. There is a selection from Khushwant Singh’s famous novel Delhi, in which the author describes Delhi in terms of his mistress. While Ahmed Ali’s Twilight in Delhi presents an ordinary yet extraordinary day in the city, Nilanjana Roy’s A New Arrival presents the world of cats that exists in the city. Delhi’s food and publishing world also feature in the collection in beautiful manner.
There pieces of writing included range from 5 page length to over 20 pages. The collection, as a whole, forms a very interesting read. Since there are different writers, each piece of writing brings freshness of its own. Besides that I feel the Olio series in itself is great to discover new writers, of whom one would like to read more works.
The one author that I look forward to reading more is Deepti Kapoor. I really liked her writing style and I checked her novel titled A Bad Character (an excerpt from which is included in the collection) online but it is not available. I am sure every reader will find something or the other to suit his/her taste in this collection. Highly Recommended.
My Rating: **** (4.25/5)
-Originally published on https://booksnmyself.wordpress.com
The authors included in the collection are Malvika Singh, Khushwant Singh, William Dalrymple, Nirmal Verma and Ruskin Bond among others. Two of the stories in the collection are originally witten in Hindi. And I feel this is one of the best things about the collection. It brings together different flavors on a single palate.
Malvika Singh’s Perpetual City provides a historical account of the city and an excerpt from Darlymple’s City of Djinns presents a curious (not historical) account of the city. There is a selection from Khushwant Singh’s famous novel Delhi, in which the author describes Delhi in terms of his mistress. While Ahmed Ali’s Twilight in Delhi presents an ordinary yet extraordinary day in the city, Nilanjana Roy’s A New Arrival presents the world of cats that exists in the city. Delhi’s food and publishing world also feature in the collection in beautiful manner.
There pieces of writing included range from 5 page length to over 20 pages. The collection, as a whole, forms a very interesting read. Since there are different writers, each piece of writing brings freshness of its own. Besides that I feel the Olio series in itself is great to discover new writers, of whom one would like to read more works.
The one author that I look forward to reading more is Deepti Kapoor. I really liked her writing style and I checked her novel titled A Bad Character (an excerpt from which is included in the collection) online but it is not available. I am sure every reader will find something or the other to suit his/her taste in this collection. Highly Recommended.
My Rating: **** (4.25/5)
-Originally published on https://booksnmyself.wordpress.com
June 6, 2020
The sort of book you can read leisurely through a pleasant afternoon while sipping some tea. If you're someone who has lived in Delhi and has experienced the many facets of the city, there will be no dearth of incidents to relate to. The writing style of each story is distinct adding a unique flavour to every chapter. The stories are warm and breezy with some intensity in its core.
November 1, 2019
Well curated pieces. They're also very appropriately sized.
Also serves as a good catalogue on what to read next from the Delhi shelf (yes it exists)
The book has a really good feeling to it.
Also serves as a good catalogue on what to read next from the Delhi shelf (yes it exists)
The book has a really good feeling to it.
June 5, 2021
A treat for Delhi lovers!
December 31, 2024
Had high hopes only to be met with completely mediocre writing. Even Ruskin Bond couldn’t save this.
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