Selected Poetry of Ghalib

This book contains selections from Ghalib (1797-1869), widely regarded as the greatest poet of Urdu. Ghalib's turn of phrase contributed to philosophical vocabulary and his assertiveness proved more realistic than the abject submission of the traditional lover of the tradition he inherited. On the other side, Ghalib was a sceptic grounded in pantheism. This created a tension which charged his poetry, and spilled over also to romantic themes. The present book does not aim merely at being handy and more accessible. Dewan-i-Ghalib now in circulation is actually a selection carried out by the poet's friends. Here are included verses which were uncritically discarded, and excludes verses uncritically selected, cutting the gem of his poetry anew, so that Ghalib's poetry can be seen in a new light, and in a format doubly attractive to students.