Divided into two volumes, The[Oxford india] Anthology of Modern Urdu Literature spans a period of almost one and a half century and includes the writings of some of the most representative
figures in modern Urdu literature. Apart from offering a judicious selection of a vast number of writerse, the anthology encompasses various genres like poetry, novel, and drama, as well as
short stories, essays and sketches, letterse, anecdotes, humour and satire. The first volume consists of poetry and prose miscellany, while fiction - short stories and excerpts from novels -
makes up the second volume.
The "Fiction" volume includes both short stories and extracts from novels and novellas. Beginning with Muhammad Hadi Ruswa (1857-1931), it moves on to Premchand, Ghulam Abbas, Krishan Chander,
Rajinder Singh Bedi, Intizar Husain, Qurratulain Hyder, Abdullah Hussein, Naiyer Masud, among others, and finally, Syed Muhammad Ashraf (b. 1957).
While the focus of selection is on literary excellence, translatability, and relevance, an effort has been made to avoid writings easily available in translation and to include one piece per
author. Moreover, the continuation between pre- and post-Partition Urdu includes authors from both India and Pakistan, thus providing a holistic picture of modern Urdu literature. The
Introduction, providing an overview of the development of Urdu literature and placing the writings in their proper historical context, is accompanied by a chronological listing of works,
biographical head-notes to the writings, glossary, and bibliography to help readers enjoy and understand the rich diversity of Urdu literature.
One of the most representative collections of Urdu writing in recent times, The Oxford India Anthology of Modern Urdu Literature is a literary and cultural guide to the Subcontinent. It will
appeal equally to general readers, as well as students and scholars of South Asian literature, especially Urdu literature in translation.
