Rabindranath by Ujjwal Kumar Majumdar [Hardcover]

Ujjwal Kumar Majumdar’s insightful book is a tribute to Rabindranath’s diverse body of work and to the poet himself. Centered around the poetry collections Manasi, Purabi, and later works like Prantik and Janmadin, the book explores the inner character of the poet from a unique perspective. In doing so, it also draws comparisons with the thoughts of other poets, philosophers, and even scientists. The book sheds light on Rabindranath’s influence on contemporary and future poets and discusses attempts to surpass his shadow in a changing world.
The nuanced application of terms like "Chirmanav" (Eternal Human) and "Mahamana" (Supreme Human), the multi-layered interpretation of symbols used in his poetry and plays, and the resonances of imagery and comparative metaphors in novels like Chaturanga and Jogajog are examined in detail. This adds to the significance of the book in understanding Rabindranath’s creative universe.
Among other essays in this book are discussions on various facets of Rabindranath as a storyteller, the historical and symbolic relevance of the Ramayana in the artist’s life, the scope and limitations of Chaitanyadev’s literary and religious influence, the significance of childlike play in Rabindranath’s literature, and the profound relationship between death and childhood.
The essays stand out for their analytical depth and literary quality. This collection defies traditional academic approaches and strikes a balance between critical analysis of Rabindranath’s works and a treasure trove of lesser-known facts about him. Topics such as foreign newspaper reports on Rabindranath’s plays, the dynamic of his literature classes as a teacher, his relationship with Elmhirst and Dorothy during the founding of Sriniketan, and the cinematic adaptation of Bisorjon (Sacrifice) enrich the discussions, making them intriguing.
From general readers to avid Rabindra scholars, this exceptional book caters to the curiosity and thirst of all.