"Let a thousand verses bloom. Anthems of Resistance is about the
iconoclastic tradition of poetry nurtured by Ali Sardar Jafri, Faiz
Ahmad Faiz, Javed Akhtar, Fehmida Riyaz and all those who have been part
of the progressive writers' movement in the Indian subcontinent. It
documents the rise of the Progressive Writers' Association, its period
of ascendancy, its crucial role in the struggle for independence, and
its unflagging spirit of resistance against injustice. In the process,
the book highlights various aspects of the PWA's aesthetics and politics
such as its internationalist ethos, its romance with modernity, its
engagement with feminism, its relationship to Hindi cinema and film
lyrics, and the vision of a radically new world which its members
articulated with passion. Part history, part literary analysis, part
poetic translation, and part unabashed celebration of the PWA era, this
book is truly a unique resource. This is a lucidly written account of a
glorious chapter in the history of Indian literature. The powerful
verses of the PWA poets are wonderfully translated and, along with the
highly accessible transliteration, offer the general reader a rare
opportunity to appreciate the writings that helped shape a nation.
Anthems of Resistance is truly an inspiring and pleasurable read." -
Professor Mushirul Hasan, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, New
Delhi "Such a gift from the Brothers Mir! Lyrical and thoughtful, this
introduction to the vast swathe of progressive Urdu poetry belongs on
all our shelves, and in all our hearts. It is a companion worthy of the
poetry itself. A singular achievement." - Professor Vijay Prashad,
Director of International Studies, Trinity College, Connecticut, US
"Like the many poets they celebrate, the authors write with passion and
conviction ... Their book makes for a joyous and exhilarating read."
-Professor C.M. Naim, Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago
