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The Rupa Book of Ruskin Bond's Himalayan Tales
Ruskin Bond's unparalleled, keen spirit of observation is evident in each of the short story, poem and essay contained in this volume. He sets his eyes upon the people, the beautiful places and the spectacular wildlife. He captures the adventure and joy filled in the way of life in the hills vividly. This collection of fiction and non-fiction works is a must-read for ardent Ruskin Bond fans.
135 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2005
53 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,563 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2014
There are two ways to tell the tales. One is the Ruskin bond way and the other is the ordinary way. This compilation of Himalayan tales is a mix of short stories, poems and essays of daily lives of people who live their entire lives in the mighty abode of Himalayas. What's enchanting and enigmatic to the world, is a daily slog for locals. Ruskin bond in his inimitable style mixes in the local folklore with the sense of adventure and resilience that's hallmark of people living in these tough mountains. Since he's himself been living in the mountains for so many decades, the entire collection is through the eyes of Rusty, that is the childhood name for author and that is featured in many of his other stories. Reading these stories transports you to a world which is simpler and more in tune with nature. There are references to local birds, local trees and local mountain ranges that are absolutely delightful. Being a bird watcher by passion, I was able to find mention of at least a dozen Himalayan birds and several different mammals.
There are references to natural heritage being destroyed in the name of development in some places and that's all done very subtly without using big words like climate change and global warming. The message still gets across to one who wants to listen.
If travelling via books is your passion and you combine it with passion for nature and especially Himalayas, you cannot look further than Ruskin Bond for tales of a simpler era. Tales which are never depressing and always bring a smile to my face.
There are references to natural heritage being destroyed in the name of development in some places and that's all done very subtly without using big words like climate change and global warming. The message still gets across to one who wants to listen.
If travelling via books is your passion and you combine it with passion for nature and especially Himalayas, you cannot look further than Ruskin Bond for tales of a simpler era. Tales which are never depressing and always bring a smile to my face.
June 17, 2025
Ruskin Bond tells stories about the life in the Himachali villages and towns. Some of the stories are auto-biographical.
May 16, 2021
If I am not for myself,
who will be for me?
And if I am not for others,
what am I?
And if not now, when?'
Himalayan Tales, is another compilation of 13 short stories, three sweet poems and one essay containing his haikus – all written by Ruskin Bond.
Who doesn’t love the Himalayas and the hills? Bond with his captivating tales of the slopes takes us yet again on the snowy rooftops and makes sure we have a thrilling ride all the way to the last page of the book.
My favorite story was a very short story of two pages, The old Lama, narrating a story of an old Tibetan Monk walking down great paths at great lengths of the hills only to return to his homeland Tibet one day.
Another story describes the mile long Landour Bazaar, with narrow and damp streets perfuming with the smells of the sweetmeats frying, smoke from wood or charcoal fires, the sweat and urine of mules, petrol fumes, all of which mingle with the smell of mist and old building and distant pines. The story includes How the Bazaar is 150 years old and was built to serve the need for British soldiers, clock towers in the market, a glimpse of the Mussoorie Tehri road and gives a night view of the Bazaars with Lights still twinkling on the hills, shops fronts shuttered and the little bazaar silent tin roofs of the bazaar, drenched with drew, glistening in the moonlight.
Mentioning some of the Haikus written by Bond in this book to rejoice your day–
Jasmine flowers in her hair,
Languid summer days are here,
And sweet longing scents the air.
One fine day my kite took wing,
Then came a strong wind—
I was left with the string.
Petunias I will praise,
Their soft perfume
Takes me by surprise!
The stories are beautiful as the lovely hills. Do not miss out these tales and until then Tashi Tilay!!. (Good Day)
who will be for me?
And if I am not for others,
what am I?
And if not now, when?'
Himalayan Tales, is another compilation of 13 short stories, three sweet poems and one essay containing his haikus – all written by Ruskin Bond.
Who doesn’t love the Himalayas and the hills? Bond with his captivating tales of the slopes takes us yet again on the snowy rooftops and makes sure we have a thrilling ride all the way to the last page of the book.
My favorite story was a very short story of two pages, The old Lama, narrating a story of an old Tibetan Monk walking down great paths at great lengths of the hills only to return to his homeland Tibet one day.
Another story describes the mile long Landour Bazaar, with narrow and damp streets perfuming with the smells of the sweetmeats frying, smoke from wood or charcoal fires, the sweat and urine of mules, petrol fumes, all of which mingle with the smell of mist and old building and distant pines. The story includes How the Bazaar is 150 years old and was built to serve the need for British soldiers, clock towers in the market, a glimpse of the Mussoorie Tehri road and gives a night view of the Bazaars with Lights still twinkling on the hills, shops fronts shuttered and the little bazaar silent tin roofs of the bazaar, drenched with drew, glistening in the moonlight.
Mentioning some of the Haikus written by Bond in this book to rejoice your day–
Jasmine flowers in her hair,
Languid summer days are here,
And sweet longing scents the air.
One fine day my kite took wing,
Then came a strong wind—
I was left with the string.
Petunias I will praise,
Their soft perfume
Takes me by surprise!
The stories are beautiful as the lovely hills. Do not miss out these tales and until then Tashi Tilay!!. (Good Day)
November 20, 2015
Surprise package. Lovely book. Gave me goosebumps at one moment while reading the ghost stories and left me lovestruck at the other with trek tales.
July 17, 2019
I found this book in a quaint and charming library of The Forest Edge in Tirthan Valley in Himachal. Reading about the mountains amidst the mountains, seeing people go about their livelihood after a cloudburst and landslide like nothing has happened only makes me ponder over our infinitesimal existence.
February 18, 2021
Ruskin Bond has been writing for over a decade now mostly for children with his Vast titles that got printed in the form of novels, short stories, essays, anthologies. This book is one of such magic he whipped up that contains short stories, essays, and poems based around the theme of hills and some parts of his life. The author has captured every single detail about it perfectly either be people, places, animals, or nature he has written it all down to perfection and it quite crystal clear for people to dwell in it.
The writing style used is simple and the stories are quite gripping and fun to read. I enjoyed the fiction and non-fiction bits a lot. He has written stories about his childhood days, his friendships, adventure, and all sort of fun he had during his youth. Along with some stories, he wrote by himself related to ghosts, Indian mythology and so much more that were quite good as well. The sheer amount of love he has for the hills! where he still lives in Dehradun. all its beauty and glory are beautifully expressed through the book. it was a light read for me and fun too. As I couldn’t stop myself from flipping through the pages and falling in love with the words that were stunningly put together to perfection.
” Sweet-scented jasmine in this fold of cloth, I give to you on this your bridal day, that you forget me not “
It was my first ever Ruskin Bond book that I have read and a heart-warming
one too. I had a great time going through the short stories and poems that were
penned down so well. I am starting to adore his writing style that is simple
yet breath-taking and I cannot wait to read more of the work that he has created
over the years. Mr. Bond is just pure love!!
The writing style used is simple and the stories are quite gripping and fun to read. I enjoyed the fiction and non-fiction bits a lot. He has written stories about his childhood days, his friendships, adventure, and all sort of fun he had during his youth. Along with some stories, he wrote by himself related to ghosts, Indian mythology and so much more that were quite good as well. The sheer amount of love he has for the hills! where he still lives in Dehradun. all its beauty and glory are beautifully expressed through the book. it was a light read for me and fun too. As I couldn’t stop myself from flipping through the pages and falling in love with the words that were stunningly put together to perfection.
” Sweet-scented jasmine in this fold of cloth, I give to you on this your bridal day, that you forget me not “
It was my first ever Ruskin Bond book that I have read and a heart-warming
one too. I had a great time going through the short stories and poems that were
penned down so well. I am starting to adore his writing style that is simple
yet breath-taking and I cannot wait to read more of the work that he has created
over the years. Mr. Bond is just pure love!!
September 16, 2020
This book is filled with short stories based in the Himalayas as the backdrop. These are stories filled with innocence; simple and beautiful descriptions of the mountains, the trees, the animals, and rivers. It actually reminded me of the time I spent in the mountain areas. Through these stories one can see (not just imagine) the simple life of the people living in the mountains. How they focus on the everyday life, and the little details, which is more important than the bigger picture. There is one line in the book that I found interesting and thought of sharing, "He hasn't bothered to count the years. Why should he, outside the towns in the isolation of the hills, life is simply a matter of yesterday, today and tomorrow."
The book also has Haikus, short verses and poems as well.
My favorite story and poem would be:
The Wind on the Haunted Hill
From the pool to the Glacier
The Last Truck Ride
A Long Walk for Bina
These Simple Things (a poem)
Mussoorie's Landour Bazaar
The Old Lama
These stories really remind one of their own innocence and childhood passion and thrill for adventure even if it be only a walk to school.
The book also has Haikus, short verses and poems as well.
My favorite story and poem would be:
The Wind on the Haunted Hill
From the pool to the Glacier
The Last Truck Ride
A Long Walk for Bina
These Simple Things (a poem)
Mussoorie's Landour Bazaar
The Old Lama
These stories really remind one of their own innocence and childhood passion and thrill for adventure even if it be only a walk to school.
December 19, 2021
You can find magical lines like this only in Ruskin Bond writings
I'm glad I won't be alive when the new peanut vendor grows old. One shouldn't see too many people grow old.
Most Garhwali cultivators are poor, some are very poor. "You have beautiful scenery," I observed after crossing the first range of hills. 'Yes," said my friend, "but we cannot eat the scenery."
I'm glad I won't be alive when the new peanut vendor grows old. One shouldn't see too many people grow old.
Most Garhwali cultivators are poor, some are very poor. "You have beautiful scenery," I observed after crossing the first range of hills. 'Yes," said my friend, "but we cannot eat the scenery."
July 17, 2020
It's very nice to read this wonderful description story of the great himalayas
August 21, 2020
The greatest and finest way of writing is Ruskin Bond
February 24, 2021
Ruskin bond has done a very good job of painting the mountain life in this collection of stories. The life in mountain can be simpleton one but it's a good life , a laid back one and full of humility. At least Ruskin surely made me feel so. I really loved his stories 'Mussoorie's Landour bazzar' and ' The old Lama' , they showed the tender sides of mountain people. 4 stars from my side.
May 30, 2015
got this one as a written gift from the Ruskin Bond himself when I met him in Mussorie. I finally read it after 3 years and what a treat it was.
June 29, 2016
A nice book
August 1, 2016
Himalaya, the smell of rain, wet mud at your feet, butterflies and whistling thrush. The simplicity of mountain people and storytelling of Ruskin Bond. A priceless treasure.
July 9, 2018
Loved it
Ruskin bond's books are so close to the heart. Loved this one.... It takes you back to those days when life used to be simpler.
Ruskin bond's books are so close to the heart. Loved this one.... It takes you back to those days when life used to be simpler.
October 26, 2018
Poetic writing
Simple, unhurried writing. It takes you to the world that it talks about. Warm and refreshing. Ruskin bond and Himalayas are a combo to savor.
Simple, unhurried writing. It takes you to the world that it talks about. Warm and refreshing. Ruskin bond and Himalayas are a combo to savor.
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June 29, 2017need a dose of these Himalayan tales every few days.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews