Average Bufph Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
William Dalrymple
2003-03-25
Peeling back the layers of Delhi’s centuries-old history, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure.
Sparkling with irrepressible wit, City of Djinns peels back the layers of Delhi's centuries-old history, revealing an extraordinary array of characters along the way--from eunuchs to descendants of great Moguls. With refreshingly open-minded curiosity, author William Dalrymple explores the seven "dead" cities of Delhi as well as the eighth city—today's Delhi. Underlying his quest is the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits that are said to assure the city's Phoenix-like regeneration no matter how many times it is destroyed.
Entertaining, fascinating, and informative, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure.
William Dalrymple's 'City of Djinns' is a historical narrative that transcends conventional storytelling. Through meticulous research and evocative prose, Dalrymple weaves the colonial past and present of Delhi, creating a rich tapestry of cultural encounters and historical undercurrents. This book is a veritable voyage through time, capturing the essence of a city that is perpetually in flux. The author's erudition and passion for his subject are palpable, offering readers an immersive experience that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
