The Bookmark

Book Recommendations from NeoNarthaki

Past Forward: Six Artists in Search of Their Childhood By Gowri Ramnarayan

In this book, Gowri Ramnarayan embarks on a captivating journey into the cherished memories of renowned personalities such as painter M.F. Husain, playwright Vijay Tendulkar, musicians Amjad Ali Khan and M.S. Subbulakshmi, Odissi dancer Kelucharan Mahapatra, and cartoonist R.K. Laxman. Through a series of insightful interviews conducted by Gowri Ramnarayan, the reader is offered a unique glimpse into the formative years of these illustrious artists.

Indian Classical Dance: The Renaissance and Beyond

By Leela Venkataraman

"Indian Classical Dance: The Renaissance and Beyond" by Leela Venkataraman explores the evolution of Indian classical dance since Independence, covering Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Mohiniattam, Odissi, and Sattriya. The book traces the intentional and involuntary shifts in presentation and perception over the last sixty-six years, from its role in India's nationalist struggle to its current global standing. Beautifully illustrated, the book is a must-read for dancers, historians, students, and anyone fascinated by this integral aspect of Indian culture.

The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Indian Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art

By Arindam Chakrabarti 

The Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Indian Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art is a comprehensive resource for the burgeoning field of Asian aesthetics, featuring leading international scholars. Beginning with a philosophical exploration of classical rasa aesthetics, the chapters cover diverse topics such as art-emotions, aesthetic education, film theory, and the past versus present. The volume also addresses indigenous versus foreign aesthetic practices, North and South Indian performance theories, and contemporary themes like Gandhian aesthetics and the politics of untouchability. This authoritative work represents a dynamic map of cross-cultural aesthetics, contributing significantly to both Eastern and Western contemporary aesthetics.

Dance Words (Choreography and Dance Studies Series)

By Valerie Preston-Dunlop

Valerie Preston-Dunlop's unique collection captures the verbal expressions of dance practitioners and researchers, providing a comprehensive view of the dance world. This compilation includes words and phrases used by performers, choreographers, audiences, administrators, and teachers, revealing insights into their activities, movements, sounds, and spaces. Preston-Dunlop sources this language from rehearsals, workshops, interviews, and published materials, offering a pioneering collection that extends beyond technical and vernacular terms to encompass the social and theatrical aspects of dance.