SECOND REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION
Satish Kumar
ISBN 978-93-93984-37-3
Price: Rs. 850.00
pp.: 520
A Survey of Indian English Novel is an exhaustive and updated study of the evolution of Indian English novel from its inception to 2020 in clear, lucid and fluent style. It authentically records how eminent novelists have been influenced by major socio- political, cultural and economic crosscurrents and how eloquently they have expressed them in their novels. It also discusses various innovative fictional techniques, linguistic and stylistic devices which they have adopted in their novels.
“It is a comprehensive critical review of Indian English writing from before the war years and coming of freedom, till now. ..... From the point of view of its contents it is the most comprehensive recreation of Indian English Writing after the first book of Dr. Srinivas Iyengar.” — Mulkraj Anand
“Information packed ........ The author exhaustively deals with the convention of the big three established by K. R.S .Srinivas Iyengar in his Indian Writing in English (1962) ; Mulkraj Anand, R.K.Narayan and Raja Rao . Then follows a detailed critique of novelists like Bhabani Bhattacharya and Arun Joshi as also the woman novelists. G. V. Desani’s All About Mr Hatter rightly gets special attention.
A welcome publication.” —Prema NandKumar
About the author:
Prof. Satish Kumar, formerly in U.P. Government Higher Education Service, is a distinguished critic and researcher on Indian English literature, his area of specialization for over five decades. He has contributed over thirty research papers and many articles to journals of repute with presentation of the same in seminars, conferences and workshops. He has the distinction of his biography included in edition two of Five Thousand Personalities of the World, published by A. B. I., North Carolina, U.S A. He has the credit of guiding twelve scholars for the award of the degree of Ph.D. He has commendably authored over two dozens books on literature including Sarojini Naidu: The Poetess, Toru Dutt: The Poetess, Literary Explorations, Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali : A Study, Mahatma Gandhi’s My Experiments with Truth: A Study, A Survey of Indian English Poetry, A Survey of Indian English Prose, A Survey of Indian English Drama and A Survey of Indian English Novel which drew the appreciation of Mulkraj Anand. His doctoral thesis Edgar Allan Poe: Style and Structure of His Short Stories and Humanism in Action: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam have been documented with the Library of Congress, U. S.A.
List of Contents:
The Beginning (1880-1920)
The Era of National Awakening (1920-1947)
Rabindranath Tagore
The Gandhian Era (1920-1947)
The Rise of Modern Indian English Novel (1947-1980)
Mulkraj Anand
R.K. Narayan
Raja Rao
G.V. Desani
Bhabani Bhattacharya, Khushwant Singh, Chaman Nahal and Manohar Malgonkar
Arun Joshi
Minor Novelists
Women Novelists
Contemporary Novel (1980-2020)
The Pioneers: Timeri N. Murari & Kiran Nagarkar
Ahmed Salman Rushdie (1947)
Allan Sealy, Rohinton Mistry, Vikram Seth and Shashi Tharoor
Amitav Ghosh
Upmanyu Chatterjee and Vikram Chandra
Arvind Adiga, Chetan Bhagat and Amish Tripathi
Other Contemporary Novelists
Contemporary Feminist Novel
Shashi Deshpande, Manju Kapur and Shobha De
Mitra Phukan, Githa Hariharan, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Namita Gokhale
Arundhati Roy, Anita Nair, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai
Other Contemporary Women Novelists
Corona Novels
The Summing Up
Bibliography
The first edition of A Survey of Indian English Novel appeared in 1996. During the intervening period Indian novel in English has evolved rapidly both thematically and stylistically. The themes of new novelists, Salman Rushdie, Allan Sealy, Rohinton Mistry, Vikram Seth, Shashi Tharoor, Amitav Ghosh, Upmanyu Chatterjee, Arvind Adiga, Chetan Bhagat and many others are multidimensional, which embrace all aspects of India passing through a period of great socio- economic , political and cultural changes. They have devised innovative techniques, stylistic and linguistic devices which accord well with their themes. Rushdie employs magic realism in his famous novels Shame, Midnight’s Children and Shalimar, the Clown which depict the feelings of shame and anguish in the new state of Pakistan, fractured identities of both India and Pakistan and the rise of terrorism in Kashmir respectively. Large-scale migrations, both internal from one place to another within the country due to rapid urbanization and industrialization which resulted in the disintegration of village communities, and external which enticed affluent segments of society to explore new avenues of name, fame and wealth to migrate to America, England and other European countries, and the consequent problems of dislocation, loss of identity, adjustment and acculturation have been vividly portrayed with psychological realism in the novels of Amitav Ghosh. Upmanyu Chatterjee mainly dwells upon corruption and the unholy nexus between bureaucrats and politicians in his typical style characterized by wit, pungent satire and subtle irony. Arvind Adiga in his latest novel Amnesty relates the excruciating sufferings of illegal migrants in Australia which is proud of its multiculturalism. Chetan Bhagat takes up the problems of middle-class youth and realistically portrays them in English written and spoken by them. Sex, love and homosexual relationship are no more an anathema to contemporary novelists.
The rise of women novelists who espouse the cause of women empowerment and liberation from male hegemony has added another significant dimension to contemporary novel. Shashi Deshpande, Manju Kapur, Namita Gokhale, Shobha De, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Mitra Phukan, Anitha Nair, Arundhati Roy, Anuja Chauhan etc. have evolved linguistic expressions and stylistic devices which express typical feminine sensibility. These novelists are frank in matters of sex and love.
This updated edition presents a systematic evolution of Indian novel in English from its inception in 1835 to 2020. It also puts forth an exhaustive critical appraisal of the lasting contribution of the stalwarts of contemporary novel.
— from the “Preface to the Second Edition”
11 comments:
Of late I came to know the talent of SATISH KUMAR. He is a scholar par excellence. A Trip down the memory lane is another landmark in his career. I wish him all the best for his health.
A Survey Of Indian English Novel by eminent scholar Prof.Satish Kumar, offers an insightful journey into the rich literary landscape of Indian English Fiction .Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis the author presents a comprehensive exploration of the genre's evolution , key themes and prominent authors. The engaging but simple writing style of the book makes it accessible to stdents, research scholars and literary entusiasts. Certainly it is a valuable addition to the field of Indian English Writing.
A Survey Of Indian English Novel by Prof.Satish Kumar offers a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant and diverse field of Indian English Fiction. The author delves into the evolution of the Indian English Novel from its beginning to the present. The book presents a thorough exploration of major works of renowned writers as well as lesser known yet equally important voices. Prof. Kumar's prose style is engaging and accessible making it an illuminating resource in the field of Indian English Literature.
The revised and updated edition of "A Survey of Indian English Novel" by Dr. Satish Kumar serves as a scholarly exploration of various literary techniques and stylistic thought patterns employed by the Indian novelists in their works written in English. Moreover, it delves into the socio-political influences shaping their narratives and highlights the incorporation of modern techniques in their writings. Dr. Satish Kumar's meticulous analysis and delineation of chronologically arranged Indian novelists in English make this book an indispensable resource for anybody interested in understanding the rich tapestry of Indian writing in English. Dr. G.R.Singh, Retired Associate Professor, English
Old wine needs no bush, said William Shakespeare. It’s so very true of Prof. Satish Kumar whom I idolize since past so many years, having gone through most of his works. Words fail me in describing his stature…. he stands like Colossus among the literary giants. Prof Satish Kumar has carved an exclusive place for himself among the greats of English literature as his works testify. The present book is a glaring example in this direction. It surely will go a long way in enriching students with a flair for fiction. Prof Satish Kumar as a worthy son of the Muse is rendering exemplary service in the literary field. He outstrips all praises…. May goddess Saraswati bless him with a very long life to create a few more marvels.
Dr. Anil Verma.
The second revised edition of Indian English Novel by Satish Kumar, the eminent scholar and critic,is an exhaustive document of the rise and growth of Indian English Novel since it's inception to the present age. The book covers one hundred and forty years of Indian English fiction including three stalwarts and modern authors of varied perspectives.The need to update the book as realised and fulfilled by the author, is the greatest contribution to the literary world.
Amita Aggarwal
Congratulations Sir on the publication of 'A Survey of Indian English Novel'. Your insightful exploration of Indian English literature is a remarkable contribution. Wishing you continued success on this literary journey. Your meticulous research and eloquent prose truly shine through in this comprehensive work. A remarkable addition to the world of literature. Looking forward to more insightful reads from you.
The content of the book 'A Survey of Indian English Novel' by Prof. Satish Kumar is really second to none ever written in the exploration of vibrant field of Indian English fiction. Such a great piece! No words, just applause! Hats off for this engaging and enchanting piece of work.
Dr. Manish Joshi
'A Survey of Indian English Novels' by eminent writer Prof Satish Kumar is a remarkable contribution and insightful exploration for students, researchers and teachers.The arrangement of Indian novelists in English from proem to the extant age is a comprehensive deed. I appreciate such extensive and enlightening creation.I am really impressed with this unique content.This book abounds in the modern techniques and highlights the socio-political influence. Thanks for your straight forward style of writing. Already excited for your upcoming book.
Ravindra Kumar
Dr.Satish Kumar's book' A Survey of Indian English Novel 'is a captivating exploration of Indian English Literary landscape. The book traces the evolution of the Indian English Novel and presents an authentic documentation of the works of eminent novelists . It offers an insightful analysis of different literary techniques used by the novelists and socio political influences on them. Being an octogenarian Prof. Kumar's energy and enthusiasm is commendable. The simple, elegant and effective language of the author makes the book an illuminating and accessible resource for students, research scholars and literary enthusiasts.
I think it a herculean task to write about the history of Indian English Novel in such an authentic way as Prof. Kumar has written . This revised and enlarged edition of 'A Survey of Indian English Novel' is an amazing edition , hugely contributing to the field of Indian Writing in English.
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