Selected Essays
- ISBN: 9780143464358
- Author: Kazi Nazrul Islam
- Publisher: Penguin Modern Classics
- Pages: 224
- Format: Paperback
Book Description
Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976) is widely remembered as the fiery iconoclast who fought against the structures of oppression and orthodoxy. The iconic ‘rebel poet’ of Bengal, Nazrul continues to be loved for his songs and poetry. But what of his prose, his journalism, and his politics?
Selected Essays reveals to us the extraordinary versatility of Nazrul as an essayist. Addressing subjects as diverse as social reform, politics, communal harmony, environmental concerns, education, aesthetics, ethics, and philosophy, this rich collection showcases Nazrul’s dynamic vision and unique use of language as an instrument of change. The essays chart his evolving consciousness as a thinker, writer and activist, offering vivid glimpses of the ethos of his times, his relationships with leading figures such as Tagore and Gandhi, and his active engagement with social, political and cultural processes. These new translations bring Nazrul’s powerful voice to life, all its vibrant immediacy.
About the Author
Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899–1976), the national poet of Bangladesh,
was a prolific Bengali poet, revolutionary, essayist, journalist, editor,
activist and composer of songs. Born into a humble family, he began
his career as a member of a band of itinerant folk performers, then
joined the army, and eventually rose to fame as the iconic ‘rebel poet’
who opposed colonial rule in India, promoted communal harmony
and was an outspoken critic of all forms of religious, political and
social discrimination. An extraordinarily versatile writer, he expressed
his talent in multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, prose, drama,
music and journalism. His writings reveal his broad humanism and
prophetic vision. He was one of the architects of modern Bengali
literature after Tagore.
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