Alive with the mayhem of the present and sparkling with William Dalrymple's irrepressible wit, 'City of Djinns' is a fascinating portrait of a city. Watched over and protected by the mischievous, invisible djinns, Delhi has, through their good offices, been saved from destruction many times over the centuries. With an extraordinary array of characters, from elusive eunuchs to the last remnants of the Raj, Dalrymple's second book is a unique and dazzling feat of research. Over the course of a year he comes to know the bewildering city intimately, and brilliantly conveys its magical nature, peeling back successive layers of history, and interlacing innumerable stories from Delhi's past and present.
William Dalrymple
William Dalrymple is a Scottish historian, writer, and journalist known for his works on India and the Middle East. His notable works include "City of Djinns," "The Last Mughal," and "Return of a King," which have received critical acclaim for their detailed research and engaging narrative style. Dalrymple's writing blends history, travelogue, and biography, offering readers a rich and immersive experience of the places and people he explores. His works have had a significant impact on the genre of historical non-fiction, shedding light on lesser-known stories and perspectives from the past. "City of Djinns" is considered his most famous work, capturing the essence of Delhi and its complex history with vivid storytelling and meticulous research. Dalrymple's contributions to literature have earned him numerous awards and accolades, establishing him as a leading voice in the field of historical writing.