‘THE INDIAN ROSE’ by Narendra K. Dadlani, is the first complete book that describes the beauty of Indian roses. It is structured to provide a comprehensive account of the evolution of rose breeding in India, including its objectives, choice of parents used, criteria for naming the varieties, their salient features such as size, shape, color and fragrance along with promotion of the varieties. It presents the work of more than seventy eminent rose breeders, spanning over a period of nearly sixty years, and contains descriptions of nearly 1400 Indian-bred rose varieties, as also a separate account of the famous soil-less pot culture of the roses of Bengal. The book is attractively designed and richly illustrated with pictures of more than a hundred fine rose varieties of India. “This is going to be a valuable publication, since for the first time, it will present a comprehensive account of the development of modern roses in India, along with large number of pictures of rose varieties bred in the country.” (Dr. M. S. Swaminathan) “I would like to warmly congratulate the author of this magnificent and colorful publication with special reference to history and evolution of the rose, which will certainly find its way to promote the Indian rose fraternity and passion for the rose around the world.” (Ms. Henrianne de Briey, President, the World Federation of Rose Societies) “This book, I consider as a reward to the Indian breeders, who have been working relentlessly to bring out new strains and varieties, which are no less than their counterparts around the world.” (Mr. Ahmed Alam Khan, President Emeritus, The Indian Rose Federation) “Relentless efforts by Indian breeders have helped enlarge our portfolio of rose varieties to appreciate and enjoy. They perform well all over India and give us much pleasure. I compliment the author for his valuable documentation of the Indian rose wealth.” (Mr. B.H. Singhania, President, The Rose Society of India)

The Real Life of Sebastian Knight is one of Vladimir Nabokov’s most autobiographical novels and it has often been observed that Sebastian’s passionate affair with the femme fatale Nina Rechnoy is a dramatized extension of Nabokov’s infatuation with Irina Guadanini. In this book it is shown that the novel also conceals another, secluded, love affair Sebastian had with a man, which reflects the main episode in the life of Nabokov’s brother Sergey. By pursuing many biographical and literary references and allusions, and by disregarding the deceptive guiding by the narrator (Sebastian’s half-brother), this moving story about Sebastian’s silent love becomes brightly visible.

Essays from the award-winning Dostoevsky biographer In this book, acclaimed Dostoevsky biographer Joseph Frank explores some of the most important aspects of nineteenth and twentieth century Russian culture, literature, and history. Delving into the distinctions of the Russian novel as well as the conflicts between the religious peasant world and the educated Russian elite, Between Religion and Rationality displays the cogent reflections of one of the most distinguished and versatile critics in the field. Frank's essays provide a discriminating look at four of Dostoevsky's most famous novels, discuss the debate between J. M. Coetzee and Mario Vargas Llosa on the issue of Dostoevsky and evil, and confront Dostoevsky's anti-Semitism. The collection also examines such topics as Orlando Figes's sweeping survey of the history of Russian culture, the life of Pushkin, and Oblomov's influence on Samuel Beckett. Investigating the omnipresent religious theme that runs throughout Russian culture, even in the antireligious Chekhov, Frank argues that no other major European literature was as much preoccupied as the Russian with the tensions between religion and rationality. Between Religion and Rationality highlights this unique quality of Russian literature and culture, offering insights for general readers and experts alike.

First published in 1995. This companion constitutes a virtual encyclopaedia of Nabokov, and occupies a unique niche in scholarship about him. Articles on individual works by Nabokov, including his short stories and poetry, provide a brief survey of critical reactions and detailed analyses from diverse vantage points. For anyone interested in Nabokov, from scholars to readers who love his works, this is an ideal guide. Its chronology of Nabokov's life and works, bibliographies of primary and secondary works, and a detailed index make it easy to find reliable information any aspect of Nabokov's rich legacy.