The Oxford Anthology of Modern Indian Poetry

Book excerpt: The Oxford Anthology of Modern Indian Poetry is the first significant work of its kind, containing some of the finest Indian poetry written in the twentieth century. Collected here are one hundred and twenty-five poets in English and English translation from fourteen Indian languages. This volume covers several generations of writers and provides an overview of the many different schools, styles, figures, forms and movements in Indian poetry in the last hundred years. While capturing some of the finest Indian poets, including Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, Nirala, G. Shankara Kurup, and Kaifi Azmi, The Oxford Anthology of Modern Indian Poetry also represents the best work of nearly seventy translators from various countries. The poems, many translated into English for the first time, are grouped thematically to reveal patterns and movements in Indian poetry. The editors provide an illuminating Introduction and informative critical essay on the literary, historical, and social contents of modern Indian poetry, as well as biographical notes on contributors, and suggestions for further reading. As a work of craftsmanship and learning, The Oxford Anthology of Modern Indian Poetry is a source of discovery and delight for first-time readers and scholars alike.