'A Life in Urdu': Book by British author Ralph Russell introduces readers to Urdu literature

A new book brings together writings by eminent 20th century Urdu scholar Ralph Russell, illuminating his life-long engagement with Urdu speakers and their literature. A Life in Urdu Personal Encounters and Selected Essays on Urdu, published by Oxford University Press OUP, provides a unique introduction for those new to Urdu literature, and little-known insights for those familiar with it.

A new book brings together writings by eminent 20th century Urdu scholar Ralph Russell, illuminating his life-long engagement with Urdu speakers and their literature. ''A Life in Urdu: Personal Encounters and Selected Essays on Urdu'', published by Oxford University Press (OUP), provides a unique introduction for those new to Urdu literature, and little-known insights for those familiar with it. The British author, widely recognised as the greatest western scholar of Urdu, headed the Urdu department at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London for 30 years. He was also a well-known visiting scholar in India and Pakistan. He died in 2008.

The book, divided into three parts, has its foreword written by Marion Molteno -- Russell's student and now his literary executor. While part one is autobiographical, describing how Russell first came in contact with Urdu speakers when conscripted into the Indian Army during World War II; part two comprises his essays on key figures in Urdu literature, reflecting his personal interests. Known to be an authority on Ghalib, with even the likes of iconic writer Khushwant Singh describing him as ''the most revered name of interpreters of Ghalib's life and works'', Russel has written one essay on his approach to translating the ghazals of the legendary 19th century Urdu poet in the second part of the book.

''The part three has essays on language and literary history, characterized by his combination of meticulous scholarship with a broad understanding of social and political contexts,'' read the description of the book.

Russell's previous books include ''The Pursuit of Urdu Literature: A Select History'' (1992), ''Three Mughal Poets: Mir, Sauda, Mir Hasan'' (with Khurshidul Islam, 1991) and ''The Oxford India Ghalib: Life, Letters and Ghazals'' (2003).

The book is currently available for sale across online and offline stores.