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Explained: 'Is he worthwhile?' Kamasutra as a guide to social life

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:21:24 +0530

Perceived as a byword for sex and appropriated over centuries to sell products and services with sexual implications, the Kama Sutra is shedding its 'closet status' and could soon be mainstream reading, says AND Haksar, whose book on the ancient text in now in paperback.

Two authors explain different facets of Modi in their books

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:59:19 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party's potential prime minister in waiting Narendra Modi is not just the subject of debate in television studios but in the literary world as well. There are two books on the man, both written by journalists that are now out.

Kishwar Desai's 4th book 'Age of Innocence' on crimes against women

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:08:49 +0530

Author Kishwar Desai has released a book which reflects the increasing crimes against women in the country. CNN-IBN Deputy Editor Sagarika Ghose was part of the panel discussion at the launch.

UK: Thatcher memorial library planned in London

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 07:49:30 +0530

Plans to create a mega library-cum-museum and training centre in memory of Margaret Thatcher are being devised in the lead up to the funeral of the former British premier on Wednesday. Supporters of the 'Iron Lady', who died of a stroke aged 87 last week, aim to raise around 15 million pounds in private funds towards the library and museum to celebrate her legacy.

Watch: Javed Akhtar launches book by budding poet Sanil Sachar

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 06:40:23 +0530

Lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar launched a book by young budding poet Sanil Sachar, the grandson of Justice Sachar, in the capital on Friday.

Thayil among 6 Indians in Commonwealth Prizes Shortlist

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:10:56 +0530

The Commonwealth Foundation has announced shortlists for the 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize and Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

Booker winning author Ruth Prawer Jhabvala dies at 85

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:44:33 +0530

Writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who won an Oscar as well as Booker prize and lived in India for more than two decades, died today in the US. Jhabvala, 85, breathed her last at her home in Manhattan after a long illness.

Was Shakespeare a tax-dodging food hoarder?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:40:16 +0530

Bad Bard! William Shakespeare was repeatedly dragged before the courts and fined for illegally hoarding food during times of shortage, and even threatened with jail for evading his taxes, a new study on the famous English playwright has claimed. "There was another side to Shakespeare besides the brilliant playwright - as a ruthless businessman who did all he could to avoid taxes, maximise profits at others' expense and exploit the vulnerable - while also writing plays about their plight to entertain them," said Jayne Archer, a researcher in Renaissance literature at Aberystwyth University.

Amazon buys book lovers website Goodreads

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:19:06 +0530

Amazon.com Inc said on Thursday it plans to acquire the book recommendation website, Goodreads.

'Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop' is Oddest Book Title of the Year

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:09:49 +0530

A book offering advice on how to protect chicken coops from goblins has won the Oddest Book Title of the Year award, organisers of the contest said on Friday.

Online libraries re-kindle the thrill of reading

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:45:00 +0530

When was the last time you visited a library, browsed through the hundreds of titles, and finally borrowed a book that evoked your interest? Online libraries that promise to offer nearly the same experience have caught the readers' fancy and are rekindling a lost love.

Online libraries re-kindle the thrill of reading

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:42:34 +0530

Online libraries that promise to offer nearly the same experience have caught the readers' fancy and are rekindling a lost love.

Penguin India back with their 10-day Spring lit fest

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:32:31 +0530

Penguin Books India is organizing it's fourth edition of 'Spring Fever' in New Delhi, a ten day literature festival from 15-24 March 2013.

Random House acquires Eve Ensler's memoir

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:29:48 +0530

Random House India has acquired of activist and author of The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler's powerful new memoir - In the Body of the World - to be released on 30th April 2013.

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's book 'Lean In' triggers debate

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:00:45 +0530

Sheryl Sandberg's 'Lean In' - part feminist manifesto, part how-to career guide - has got a lot of people talking.

Shakespeare's works now in Punjabi

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:29:49 +0530

Eighty-two-year Surjit Hans has finally translated all the works of the 16th century Bard of Avon into Punjabi.

Author Amish Tripathi signs Rs 5 cr deal for his next series

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:30:56 +0530

Bestselling author Amish Tripathi has just signed a whopping Rs 5 crore deal for his next series. This comes as his final book of the Shiva trilogy releases.

Printing conference held without 'Narendra Modi

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:26:50 +0530

An annual conference of printing industry, which ran into controversy after some of the participants pulled out protesting against an invite to Narendra Modi, was held here today, without the Gujarat Chief Minister. A Gujarat Government official said Modi, who is in the national capital for BJP's National Executive Meeting, had not accepted the invitation to be the chief guest and a keynote speaker at the day-long conference.

Kolkata: Author preserves the cultural heritage of the city of joy in his books

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:39:28 +0530

Amit Chaudhuri, an author, has taken it upon himself to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the 'city of joy' Kolkata. The city of joy and teeming millions has been Amit Chaudhuri's muse for his three novels. His love for the city and its neighbourhoods has made him fight for a new heritage law to preserve its history.

Agra to host SAARC literature festival

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:22:15 +0530

The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature is organising a SAARC festival of literature in this Taj city March 10-11.

Next James Bond novel out on September 26

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:06:13 +0530

A new James Bond novel, written by Booker Prize nominee William Boyd, will be released on September 26 this year.

Harvard UP to make entire book list available in India

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:35:37 +0530

As part of its centennial celebrations, Harvard University Press intends to make its titles accessible within the Indian market and publish some of the best ideas and scholarship active in the country. "Our specific mission is to publish and disseminate the very best ideas and scholarship from all over the world to the world's readers. We intend to make HUP titles accessible within the Indian market, and to publish some of the very bestideas and scholarship active in India," says Susan Donnelly, assistant director of HUP.

Reader Digest's publisher files for bankruptcy again

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:07:11 +0530

The publisher of iconic magazine Reader's Digest has filed for bankruptcy to cut a $465 million debt. The magazine has been in circulation for 9 decades now and is read by over 25 million people across the world, but has lately felt the pressure of reader's switching from print to electronic media.

Footnotes from Jaipur Literature Fest

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:01:08 +0530

In 2012, going by the press coverage, the Jaipur Literature Festival had one guest who couldn't show up thanks to threats from fundamentalist Muslim groups, Salman Rushdie, and another guest, Oprah Winfrey, who did get there. This despite the very tangible presence of luminaries such as Michael Ondaatje, Richard Dawkins, Tom Stoppard, Lionel Shriver, Ben Okri, David Remnick, and a galaxy of others.

Comic Con India's exclusive merchandise a big hit

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 02:21:59 +0530

The three-day event has over 80 participants and several interactive sessions and talks by renowned artists.

Writers, artists live in anxiety in Pakistan: Farooqi

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:32:56 +0530

With political instability and extremism rising in Pakistan, noted Pakistani writer Musharraf Ali Farooqi feels artists and writers in his country live in anxiety and sometimes find it difficult to pen their thoughts. "It is difficult, it is not so easy. In such a volatile atmosphere sometimes it is difficult to pen our thoughts. There is some kind of anxiety," Farooqi, who was here to participate in the Kolkata Book Fair, told PTI.

Penguin debuts a new self-publishing imprint in India

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:09:02 +0530

Here's some great news for upcoming writers in India, Penguin Books India has announced the introduction of its new venture Partridge, a new self-publishing imprint launched in partnership with Author Solutions, Inc. Partridge will provide new opportunities for Indian authors to get published and discovered, both in India and around the world.

Delhi to host literature festival on February 9-10

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:48:31 +0530

The national capital is all set to host its very own literature festival later this week featuring book launches, interaction with authors as well as a music show. Coming close on the heels of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the two-day literary event beginning February 9 will host 10 sessions on different themes at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

Delhi: World Book Fair begins on Monday, celebrates India's folk, tribal literature

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:54:14 +0530

Book lovers in the national capital can head to Pragati Maidan as the New Delhi World Book Fair begins on Monday. The fair will be inaugurated by Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and is on for the next senven days.

1,100 exhibitors to participate in World Book Fair

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:17:41 +0530

More than 1,100 exhibitors from 23 countries will flock to the Pragati Maidan in the capital for the New Delhi World Book Fair 2013 during February 4-10. The fair will be spread across 45,000 square metres of tastefully decorated display space to exhibit and trade in books.

Musharraf spent a night in India before Kargil: Book

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 07:31:36 +0530

There is a new war of words over a war fought 13 years ago. A book by a former Pakistani officer points towards more blunders by General Pervez Musharraf and that he may have actually spent a night on the Indian side after crossing the Line of Control (LoC) ahead of the Kargil war.

Writers, film fraternity criticise Mamata govt over Rushdie

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:51:28 +0530

The literary and film community on February 1 came out in support of controversial author Salman Rushdie and blamed the West Bengal government for cancellation of his visit to the metropolis. "If a world-renowned writer is unable to come to Kolkata, then it is extremely unfortunate," Magsaysay award-winning author Mahasweta Devi said.

Mamata's decision of blocking Rushdie from Kolkata not surprising: Amit Chaudhuri

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:35:40 +0530

Salman Rushdie on Friday tweeted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had ordered the police to block his arrival in the city for the Literary Meet.

Skipped Kolkata visit out of solidarity for Rushdie: Deepa Mehta

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 02:34:51 +0530

Director Deepa Mehta who was also invited to the literary meet, says she cancelled her visit out of solidarity. "I didn't go to Kolkata out of solidarity for Salman Rushdie. It is not fair that he was disinvited at the last minute. He was told by the police, or I'm not clear who were the powers who told him, I think it was the Chief Minister's decision. He was told that he shouldn't fly in or if he does, he'll have to fly right back, so he decided it didn't make sense to go," Deepa Mehta said.

SC directs police not to arrest Ashis Nandy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:46:06 +0530

In a major relief, the Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan police not to arrest sociologist Ashis Nandy. The court has issued notices to the Rajasthan government, Maharashtra government, Bihar government and Chhattisgarh government directing the same.

Literature draws India, Bangladesh closer

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 03:02:20 +0530

A firm advocate of religious tolerance, the 40-something Ghuznavi feels writers, especially in contexts like hers, cannot escape social responsibility.

SC to hear Nandy's plea seeking quashing of FIR tomorrow

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 03:01:23 +0530

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear sociologist Ashis Nandy's plea seeking quashing of FIR against him. Nandy's argument is based on the fact that no offence was mentioned in the FIR.

Ashis Nandy to request SC to quash FIR against him

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:25:20 +0530

A team of the Rajasthan Police will question sociologist Ashis Nandy on Thursday over his controversial comments linking Dalits to corruption. But the sociologist, who will appear in the Supreme Court later on Thursday afternoon, will request the apex court that all FIRs filed against him be quashed. Nandy's argument is based on the fact that no offence was mentioned in the FIR.

World Book Fair: Tribal literature theme of fair

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:15:05 +0530

The World Book Fair 2013 beginning February 4 will celebrate indigenous literature with its theme, "Indigenous Voices - Mapping India's Folk and Tribal Literature", and commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with a special pavilion exhibiting photographs and books from the spiritualist's life. The fair will open at Pragati Maidan in Delhi.

Rajasthan Police team leaves for Delhi to question Ashis Nandy

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:11:06 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy faces police questioning over his Dalit corruption remarks made at the Jaipur Literature Festival. A team of the Rajasthan Police is on its way to the capital to question him, say sources.

Is 'The Accidental Apprentice' the next 'Slumdog'?

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 03:41:18 +0530

Vikas Swarup, the author of Q&A, the novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire', has come up with another page turner - 'The Accidental Apprentice'. As character-driven narrations go, 'The Accidental Apprentice' has the hallmarks of a successful screenplay and might just hit pay dirt as 'Slumdog' did in 2009.

Kareena Kapoor talks about 'The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva'

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:28:31 +0530

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor has come up with a book on contemporary styles and her take on them. Rochelle Pinto has helped her in writing the book.

Charges against Ashis Nandy and punishment that he faces

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:53:08 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy faces police questioning over his alleged anti-Dalit remarks made at the Jaipur Literature Festival. The Rajasthan police have now summoned Nandy for questioning over his remarks that linked caste and corruption.

Writers roundtable: Cross-border dialogue

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:52:48 +0530

In this special discussion, a panel of writers from India and Pakistan talk about the growing intolerance in various section of Indian society and India-Pakistan relations.

Ashis Nandy a criminal, should be arrested: PL Punia

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:45:02 +0530

Condemning sociologist Ashis Nandy's controversial remark against SC, ST and OBC, National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman PL Punia on Monday said that he is disgraced people with his comment and should be arrested.

My comment was pro-Dalit, I still stand by it: Ashis Nandy

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:35:11 +0530

Sociologist and political psychologist Ashis Nandy defended his statements on Dalits and other backwards classes saying he stood by what he said and that he apologised only to those who were hurt by his statement.

Media should play positive role in India, Pak ties: JLF panel

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 10:25:08 +0530

While referring to the recent border row between India and Pakistan, a panel at the Jaipur Literature Festival blamed the media for feeding people with "petty prejudices" instead of playing a positive role. The panelists, while holding discussion in the session 'Neighbours: Walls and Bridges', appealed to work on the "commonalities" present in the two countries.

Ashis Nandy leaves JLF, police seek video of his session

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:24:41 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy on Sunday returned to Delhi from Jaipur where he was attending the Literature Festival. Nandy stirred up a controversy on Saturday after he seemingly blamed the Dalits for the corruption menace in the country. Even as he apologised for his remarks and insisted that he had been misquoted, an FIR was filed against him.

Jeet Thayil wins the 2013 DSC prize for literature

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 07:27:30 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature celebrates the rich and varied world of literature of the South Asian region.

JLF Day 2: Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi among others to be present today

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:26:27 +0530

It's the second day of the Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday. Film personalities Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Sharmila Tagore and UIDAI Chairperson Nandan Nilekani will be among the key personalities attending the festival on Friday.

JLF Day 1: Organisers stand by authors, police ensure security

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:59:24 +0530

The maha kumbh of literature, the 8th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival kicked off to a smooth start despite warnings of protests against Pakistani writers following the recent killings of soldiers at the Line of Control. Except for Mohammed Hanif, who has skipped the festival for personal reasons, the other Pakistani authors kept their date with Jaipur.

2 Pak officials blocked from travelling to Jaipur for Lit Fest

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:51:19 +0530

The government on Friday blocked two Pakistani diplomats from travelling to Jaipur for the ongoing Literature Festival in the city. Sources said that the decision was taken after consulting the Centre. The two officials had applied for permission to travel to Jaipur and Ajmer but will now have to miss it.

UR Ananthamurthy in Man Booker Prize shortlist

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:27:10 +0530

UR Ananthamurthy is the only Indian to have made it to the final list of the prestigious prize.

The best tweets from Jaipur Literature Festival

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:37:46 +0530

The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 is possibly the most high profile gathering of litterateurs in Asia.

Won't be bullied by terror any kind: Jaipur Lit Fest organiser

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:56:41 +0530

The Jaipur Literature festival began on Thursday under heavy security with Pakistani authors attending the programme as scheduled. Controversy surrounded the festival again this year with the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth-wing protesting against the participation of Pakistani authors following tension at the Line of Control.

Controversies at Jaipur Literature Festival this year

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:44:27 +0530

Jaipur Literature Festival kicks off this week but not without controversy. A group of Islamic clerics has protested the presence of any of the authors who read from the 'Satanic Verses' last year, while the RSS and BJP are reportedly asking for Pakistani participants to be kept out.

No change in Jaipur Literature Festival's schedule: Sanjoy Roy

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:08:25 +0530

Sources in the Rajasthan Police said that members of the BJP and the RSS in the state were opposing the participation in the event by seven Pakistani authors.

Won't get bullied by fringe elements: Sanjoy Roy

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 03:58:55 +0530

Amidst reports of threat to the Jaipur Literature Festival by Islamist groups and reportedly by members of the BJP and the RSS, the organiser of the event, Sanjoy Roy has said that the event will be held as per the schedule.

Jaipur Lit Fest: After Islamist groups, event faces threat from RSS, BJP

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:47:20 +0530

After a few Islamist groups threatened the organisers of Jaipur Literature Festival against allowing the four authors who had read out passages from Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses at the event in 2012, sources in the Rajasthan police said that members of the BJP and the RSS in the state were opposing the participation in the event by seven Pakistani authors.

Jaipur Lit Fest: Islamist groups seek ban on 4 authors

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:10:49 +0530

A statement warning the organisers of the Jaipur Literature Festival against allowing authors who had read out passages from Salman Rushdie's 'Satanic Verses' at the event last year was issued by Islamist groups on Sunday.

James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi to collaborate

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:09:06 +0530

Random House UK announced the acquisition of a new collaboration between James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi.

13 books to add to your reading list

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:38:59 +0530

Dharavi, HarperCollins: Dharavi is arguably Mumbai's largest problem and its greatest opportunity. This collection demands attention as much for its topic as its contributors, who include Jerry Pinto, Sonia Faleiro, Hussain Zaidi and Anne Zaidi.

New Dan Brown novel 'Inferno' out on May 14

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 02:07:17 +0530

'Inferno' will be published in Britain on the same date by Transworld Publishers, a division of The Random House Group.

Digitisation of presidential library high on Pranab's agenda

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:48:35 +0530

Briefing the media at an informal interface in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, Mukherjee said the library was big enough for "anybody to spend five years reading".

Small libraries at home inculcates reading habit

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:30:50 +0530

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam suggested that all families should have a small library in their homes with a minimum of 10 books to encourage the reading habit in children.

'Top award-winning writers at Jaipur lit fest'

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:12:32 +0530

Beside the international stars, the festival will host literature in 17 Indian languages as well.

40 writers to address feminism at Jaipur lit fest

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 07:38:55 +0530

Women will be a powerful voice at the sixth annual DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 24-28.

Jeet Thayil's 'Narcopolis' in Man Asian shortlist

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 04:04:28 +0530

Indian author Jeet Thayil's debut novel Narcopolis featured among five novels showcasing the diversity and depth of writing from Istanbul to Tokyo as the shortlist for the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize was revealed, listing distinctive and celebrated writers for the first time in a region-wide context.

Man takes reading to rural children with 'Books for all'

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:44:17 +0530

Pravin Bhasin is a man on a mission running libraries under 'Books for all' for poor and marginalised children. With 3,000 books, 25 volunteers, 3 centres across the National Capital Region, Pravin Bhasin goes about to ensure that reading books doesn't die in this digital age. With genrous donations from friends, neighbours and colleagues, 'Books for All' is encouraging literacy, especially amongst marginalised children. Through story telling, interactive toolkits and learning activities, Bhasin is helping 600 children from the neighbouring villages discover the joy of reading and learning.

Books: The bestsellers of 2012

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:32:43 +0530

It's that time of the year when we tell you which books turned out to be page turners and why. CNN-IBN tells you all about 2012's bestselling books.

Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker dies

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:49:03 +0530

Spider-Man's geeky alter-ego, Peter Parker, dies in a major battle with his rival Doctor Octopus.

'Gangnam Style' is Collins dictionary's word of the year

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:17:27 +0530

Korean singer Psy's pop sensation "Gangnam Style" has now booked a place in popular culture with recognition from a renowned British dictionary.

Jeet Thayil among 24 Sahitya Akademi awardees

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:42:39 +0530

K Satchidanandan, Chadrakant Devtale, Jeet Thayil, Chandana Goswami, Subrata Mukhopadhayay and Jayant Pawar are among writers and poets representing 24 languages who have been honoured with this year's Sahitya Akademi awards.

6 writers shortlisted for the Tibor Jones prize

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:13:40 +0530

The winner will be announced on January 10, 2013 at an award ceremony hosted at The Park Hotel (Kolkata) as part of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival.

Huston's 'Infrared' wins Bad Sex fiction prize

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:36:28 +0530

Award-winning novelist Nancy Huston won Britain's Bad Sex in Fiction award Tuesday for her novel 'Infrared,' whose tale of a photographer who takes pictures of her lovers during sex proved too revealing for the judges.

Digital store Flipkart offers e-books online

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:11:38 +0530

ndia's leading e-commerce brand Flipkart.com's digital store Flyte has forayed into selling e-books online to change reading habits of book lovers.

Longlist for Man Asian Literary Prize for 2012 announced

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:15:07 +0530

The list also includes an early intricate and stunning book by Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk, now appearing in English for the first time.

Bal Thackeray a sitting duck, Headley had said after recce

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 09:51:10 +0530

Mumbai terror attack conspirator David Headley, who had surveyed most of the 26/11 targets, had also conducted a recce of Bal Thackeray's heavily-guarded residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra in 2008, and found that Shiv Sena chief was a "sitting duck".

Upset wife more fearsome than enraged pacer: Tendulkar

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 09:02:59 +0530

He has squared off against the most fearsome of pace attacks all over the world but veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar jokes that it is nothing when compared to facing his wife when she is upset! In the Marathi book 'Samvad Legends Shi' (Conversations with Legends) by Dwarkanath Sanzgiri and published by Majestic Publications, the 39-year-old batsman, who has spent over two decades in international cricket, opens up about things other than cricket that have shaped his life.

Life of Pi: Brazilian story that inspired Martel

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 05:00:38 +0530

As filmmaker Ang Lee's visual wonder 'Life of Pi' creates a new generation of fans of his cinema, it's worth remembering the original "spark of life" or the story that influenced Booker-winning Canadian author Yann Martel's book about an Indian boy adrift in the Pacific ocean on a small boat with a Royal Bengal tiger to keep him company.

Amitav Ghosh, Jeet Thayil shortlisted for lit prize

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:32:01 +0530

Six books including "River of Smoke" by Amitav Ghosh, "Narcopolis" by Jeet Thayil and "The Wandering" by Pakistan-based author Jamil Ahmad, have been shortlisted for the DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013.

Oxford chooses 'omnishambles' as word of the year

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 06:32:30 +0530

Britain's media are in a meltdown and its government is gaffe-prone, so Oxford Dictionaries has chosen an apt Word of the Year: "omnishambles."

'Bookaroo in the City' celebrating children's literature

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:05:28 +0530

Bookaroo is a unique festival that brings the freedom and excitement of reading for fun into schools.

Saina Nehwal releases her autobiography

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:27:34 +0530

Ace badminton player and current World No. 3 Saina Nehwal on Wednesday released her autobiography in Hyderabad titled, 'Playing to win, my life on and off court'.

Bookaroo lit fest celebrating children's literature

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:49:24 +0530

Bookaroo, a literature festival for children, is set to enter its fifth year of its edition.

Naipaul is tone-deaf, anti-Muslim: Girish Karnad

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:08:10 +0530

Actor and playwright Girish Karnad took on Nobel laureate and India-origin author VS Naipual at the Mumbai Literature Festival calling him "tone-deaf". "Mr Naipaul has written three books on India, three very big books and if you read them you will find that not one of them contains any reference to music. He has gone through the whole of India without responding to Indian music. Now, I think that this only means that he is tone deaf. That's my reading of the situation but then there's no reason why he shouldn't be tone deaf," he said.

Khaled Hosseini's new novel out on May 21

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:42:07 +0530

Khaled Hosseini's next novel will be a journey across time and space.

Pearson confirms Penguin and Random House merger

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 01:21:20 +0530

Pearson and Bertelsmann agree consumer publishing partnership: Penguin and Random House to combine, creating the world's leading trade publisher.

Giving Indian language writers their place under the sun

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 07:15:48 +0530

Come November and Delhi will turn into an intellectual delight for readers who like to immerse their souls into the rustic writings of India and its multiple languages. A festival that celebrates Indian writings and their very own Shakespeares and Spencers is returning to the capital for a second time, a year after it debuted and charmed its way into the hearts of many people.

Longlist for the Tata First Book Award announced

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:07:33 +0530

The winner will be announced on Sunday, November 4, at the Literature Live festival in Mumbai.

Pearson in talks over Penguin-Random House merger

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:01:18 +0530

British publishing and education company Pearson PLC says it is in talks with German media group Bertelsmann SE over merging the firms' Penguin and Random House publishing operations.

Satyajit Ray's love life revealed by wife in book

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:53:32 +0530

Culminating in an happy ending but only after some unexpected twists and turns, legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's real-life love story, revealed now by his wife, was nothing short of a typical Bollywood drama.

Superman alter ego Clark Kent quits newspaper job

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:56:45 +0530

In an upcoming issue of the Superman comic series, his mild-mannered alter ego Clark Kent quits his job as a reporter at The Daily Planet.

Economist-Crossword Book Award: 'Incredible Banker' wins best popular book

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:37:36 +0530

'The Incredible Banker' by Ravi Subramanian has bagged the 'best popular book' award for 2011, instituted by the Economist-Crossword Book Award. 'The Folded Earth' by Anuraddha Roy won the award in the Indian Fiction category while the Indian Non-Fiction award went to 'A Free Man' by Aman Sethi, '17' by Anita Agnihotri and 'The Araya Women' by Narayan jointly won in Indian language translation category, Crossword said in a statement.

Dear Digital Diary: 'Wimpy Kid' e-books coming

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:19:51 +0530

The first six volumes of "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" are coming out October 30 as e-books.

Longlist for DSC Prize for South Asian Lit announced

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 02:53:00 +0530

The 2013 edition of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature looks set to be closely contested, with several acclaimed novels on the 16 book Longlist.

Booker Prize for 2012 to be announced today

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:14:01 +0530

India's Jeet Thayil is also in the running for his debut book Narcopolis.

Random House reissues Nobel laureate Mo Yan's book

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 05:12:46 +0530

Random House India announced it will be reissuing his acclaimed novel Red Shorgum in November.

Promote Indian literature abroad: President

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:41:37 +0530

In his address while presenting the 46th Bharatiya Jnanpith Award to Kambar, the president also said that philanthropists and the private sector must help in nurturing and promoting Indian literature and language.

Nobel laureate Mo Yan's books sold out

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:58:37 +0530

Less than half an hour after Chinese writer Mo Yan was announced the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, his books were sold out in China.

Chinese writer Mo Yan wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 05:09:55 +0530

Chinese writer Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday, a somewhat unexpected choice by a prize committee that has favoured European authors in recent years.

Live discussion: 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:37:48 +0530

Read the discussion about the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature that IBNLive readers had with IBNLive's Arunava Sinha and Tathagata Bhattacharya.

Nobel literature award to be announced on Oct 11

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:40:00 +0530

The 8 million kronor ($1.2 million) award is one of the highest recognitions in literature worldwide. Last year's prize went to Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer.

Russian woman fined $3,000 over 'Mein Kampf'

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:30:52 +0530

A woman staff member of a Russian university has been slapped a fine of 100,000 rubles ($3,000) by a court for posting an online copy of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" on her personal website.

Kerala: Kovalam Literary Fest begins on Saturday

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:59:14 +0530

The fifth edition of the Kovalam Literary Festival (KLF) starts on Saturday after a stimulating first leg in New Delhi.

Casual Vacancy: Harry's story, had he been muggle

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:19:42 +0530

Imagine a muggle Harry Potter, complete with his decency, sense of justice and considerable insecurities, albeit with a different name, living permanently at Privet Drive attending a muggle school - this is the story of Andrew Price, of Casual Vacancy.

Ukranian teen is a living cartoon character!

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:41:19 +0530

A Ukranian teenager has literally transformed herself into a living cartoon character, complete with miniature waist, coloured hair, and a defined pout.

'Fifty Shades of Grey' sparks marketing mania

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:32:49 +0530

Wildly popular erotica trilogy 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has inspired publishers, record labels, sex shops, and even crafty parents to submit - to the desire to cash in, that is.

JK Rowling's adult novel has an Indian character

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 03:47:01 +0530

The Casual Vacancy published by Hachette sets a new record for sales for an adult hardback in India.

JK Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' releases today

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:46:32 +0530

In India the book releases under high security at 2.30 pm.

Revealed: Why men are so obsessed with breasts

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:06:41 +0530

Men are the only male mammals fascinated by breasts in a sexual context.

Man Booker Prize travels to India in 2013

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 05:30:43 +0530

Jaipur will play an important role in the Man Booker International Prize 2013 as the judges will announce the list of finalists for the award at the venue of a prestigious literature festival held in the city. The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, the largest and liveliest literary festival in Asia-Pacific, will host the press conference to announce the judges' list of finalists on January 24, next year.

Rowling's adult novel releases tomorrow

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:49:14 +0530

A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is JK Rowling's first novel for adults.

Rowling's adult novel Casual Vacancy is worth it

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 02:40:00 +0530

That's what makes this book worth it, despite a slow start and sometimes too much of the descriptions and adjectives that added life to Harry Potter but at times tend to bog Rowling down here. That's what makes the book's ending scenes so heartbreaking - turning the page seems unbearable, but not as much as putting down the book would be.

Crossword Book Award 2011 shortlist announced

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:12 +0530

The Popular award has a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh & the trophy. The winner will be announced on October 18, 2012 at the awards ceremony.

Stephen King to release 'The Shining' sequel

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:39:08 +0530

Published in 1977, 'The Shining' formed the basis for Kubrick's horror classic, starring Jack Nicholson.

Read the adventures of James Bond on your computer

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 11:18:20 +0530

There will be two editions of each title to reflect the wide audience for the world's best known secret agent.

Marvel kills off Professor X, founder of X-Men

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:41:05 +0530

Professor X, the Marvel comic book character who formed and led the superhero mutant team known as X-Men, has been killed off.

Indian writer Jeet Thayil on Man Booker shortlist

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 05:37:39 +0530

Indian writer Jeet Thayil's first novel 'Narcopolis', described as a compelling tale of Mumbai's hazy world of opium addiction, has made it to the six-author shortlist for the Man Booker Prize 2012 announced today.

Six books shortlisted for Book Prize 2012

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:41:09 +0530

Six books have been shortlisted for 'Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2012' of the Shakti Bhatt Foundation. There were 96 entries.

18th Delhi Book Fair: E-books, religion and kids

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:02:49 +0530

The 18th Delhi Book Fair that kicked off in the capital over the weekend has more than just books to offer to little bookworms. From vocabulary building sessions to interactive books - there are many mind building activities for children this year.

WB: Book criticises Mamata, publisher raided

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 01:22:04 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is courting another controversy. The enforcement branch of the Kolkata Police has raided a renowned publishing house's office and shop at College Street after it published a book 'Musalmander ki Karaniya' (What Muslims Should Do) written by senior police official Dr Nazrul Islam.

Siddhartha Deb wins PEN award for book on India

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 08:58:39 +0530

Indian author Siddhartha Deb has been named among the winners of the 2012 PEN Awards, considered the most comprehensive literary awards programme in the US, for his non-fiction work on India, which is described as a "gripping analysis" of the country and an "important book" of current times.

Reading acts as a tonic for the brain: Study

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:29:51 +0530

Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield suggests that reading helps to expand attention spans in kids.

Paramount and 'Godfather' author heirs clash in NY

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:21:41 +0530

The son of 'The Godfather' creator Mario Puzo wants a judge to end Paramount's rights to make future 'Godfather' films.

Wait, Superman and Wonder Woman...did WHAT?

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:42:51 +0530

Wonder Woman and Superman are an item, locking lips in a passionate embrace as the pair realize that there's no one out there like them.

Navy SEAL commando pens book on Osama killing

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:10:20 +0530

A US Navy SEAL commando, involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, has written an inside account of the May 2011 mission, raising hackles in the Pentagon and CIA.

'Fifty Shades of Grey', an all time bestseller in UK

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:05:43 +0530

Random House (UK) has announced that E L James's Fifty Shades of Grey has sold well in excess of 5.3 million copies.

Book on Gandhi's leadership to hit stands in China

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 04:26:28 +0530

A book written by veteran Indian diplomat Pascal Alan Nazareth on Mahatma Gandhi's outstanding leadership qualities, which have great relevance in today's world plagued by violence and terrorism, has been translated into Mandarin and will soon hit the stands in China.

'Literathon,' a celebration of books and reading

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:21:13 +0530

Literathon is a nationwide initiative to foster greater interaction between students and the literary world.

Jeet Thayil on 2012 Man Booker long-list

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:15:45 +0530

Noted Indian poet and writer Jeet Thayil is among 12 authors long-listed for the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction worth 50,000 pounds and an assured spurt in the sales of the prize-winning book.

Fifty Shades of Grey effect: Classics get raunchy

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:02:31 +0530

Beloved classics like Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' are getting a steamy makeover following the success of EL James' erotic novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

Would an Amul boy be cuter than the Amul girl?

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:58:17 +0530

Would an Amul boy have outwitted the cute girl in polka dotted dress and with a blue hair bun? Never, say her creators.

LTTE tortured, killed while fighting Indians: Book

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:52:41 +0530

The LTTE tortured and killed alleged spies and "traitors" and also looted Tamil shops and homes while fighting the Indian peacekeepers in Sri Lanka, a book by a former woman fighter says.

Amitav Ghosh's 'Sea of Poppies' gets Bhojpuri touch

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:32:55 +0530

The magic of Booker Prize shortlisted Amitav Ghosh's novel, 'The Sea of Poppies,' a gripping tale of the sea journey of indentured labourers during the 1830s, just before the Opium War, is set to be translated on celluloid.

'What Young India Wants' is Chetan Bhagat's next

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:13:02 +0530

After the tremendous success of fiction Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of my Life, 2 States and Revolution 2020, popular author Chetan Bhagat will try his hand at non-fiction next with the title 'What Young India Wants'.

Yuvraj's book to chronicle his cancer battle

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:15:41 +0530

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh will talk about the Cs in his life Chandigarh, cricket and cancer.

Jury for DSC Prize for S Asian Literature announced

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 02:16:33 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature announced the jury for its 2013 edition. The five-member panel includes Eleanor O'Keeffe, K Satchidanandan, Muneeza Shamsie, Rick Simonson and Suvani Singh.

Mick Jagger pursued Jolie, claims new book

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:37:03 +0530

Actress Angelina Jolie, who appeared in the Rolling Stones' 'Anybody Seen My Baby' music video in 1997, was allegedly pursued by rocker Mick Jagger while he was still married to supermodel Jerry Hall.

'Narasimha Rao prayed when Babri was demolished'

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:59:09 +0530

Yet another book has levelled an allegation that P V Narasimha Rao had connived at the demolition of Babri Masjid claiming that the late Prime Minister had sat in a puja when the kar sevaks began pulling it down and rose only when it was over.

Hollywood-Bollywood come together for a cookbook

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:32:27 +0530

A host of Bollywood celebrities like Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha and Neha Dhupia, as well as Hollywood biggies are set to share their favourite vegan recipes for a book titled "The Bolly Holly Vegan Cookbook".

First look of JK Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy'

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:15:25 +0530

A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is JK Rowling's first novel for adults.

Now, Mahabharata in contemporary English

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:31:17 +0530

Economist Bibek Debroy is translating the Indian epic Mahabharata into contemporary English.

Erotica '50 Shades' was 'Twilight' fan fiction

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:23:56 +0530

At the heart of erotica 'Fifty Shades of Grey' that describes, sometimes in graphic details, the relationship of a submissive and her much older master, is an old fashioned love story of understanding and acceptance.

'Nehru's foreign policy needs to be revisited'

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:34:28 +0530

Jawaharlal Nehru's policies of non-alignment and mixed economy need to be revisited, says author PC Jain.

Erotic novel puts Harry Potter in shade

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:17:19 +0530

The author Erika Mitchell is now reportedly four million pounds ($6.3 million) after signing book deals and a Hollywood movie contract.

Poetry on stone: Timeless genre in revival across India

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:56:45 +0530

Two refreshing initiatives, "Poetry on Monuments" and "Poetry of Cross-Cultures", have taken poetry out of books, conventional readings and literature festivals to form bigger circles of poets and audience in public spaces and across cultures.

Former army chief documents life, views in memoir

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:49:31 +0530

Ethics, morality and corruption are issues that are gaining more relevance particularly with regard to conduct of officers in higher ranks, says former army chief General (retd) Joginder Jaswant Singh in his autobiography.

The Economist Crossword Award's longlist

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:45:53 +0530

The Crossword Book Award recognises and rewards good writing and promotes authors and their books.

Shehan Karunatilaka wins 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:55:16 +0530

The Sri Lankan author won the 10,000 pounds award for his debut novel 'Chinaman'.

The Crossword Book Award's longlist announced

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:24:26 +0530

The Economist and Crossword in association with Principal Retirement Advisors & Standard Chartered Bank released the long list for the 'The Economist Crossword Book Award 2011'.

'Things a Little Bird Told Me,' a book on Twitter

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:12:08 +0530

Biz Stone, 38, is working on a book about creativity called Things a Little Bird Told Me that will relate stories from his life and career and encourage others to think outside the box, Grand Central Publishing said on Monday.

Green Lantern relaunched as brave, mighty and gay

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:14:35 +0530

It's also another example of gay and lesbian characters taking more prominent roles in the medium.

Stephen King's next book 'Joyland' is a thriller

Wed, 30 May 2012 04:30:54 +0530

'Joyland' will initially come out just as a paperback before being launched on internet.

Stephen King to write another crime novel

Wed, 30 May 2012 01:25:03 +0530

Stephen King will take on crime for a novel coming out next year.

Guru Dutt biography becomes innovative book drama

Wed, 30 May 2012 01:11:51 +0530

Book readings could soon become passe if author Sathya Saran has her way. Hoping to make an instant connect with audiences, the veteran journalist is taking her biography of Bollywood legend Guru Dutt to the masses by enacting the book with a cast of six characters across India.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poems translated into German

Mon, 28 May 2012 02:16:55 +0530

A bilingual Urdu-German book of Faiz's poems has been launched by the Goethe Institut in Karachi, Dawn News reported.

Story by Pultizer winner serialised on Twitter

Mon, 28 May 2012 11:06:29 +0530

A story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan for the New Yorker is being serialised in 10 installments on Twitter, according to the magazine.

Literary fests new tool of diplomacy in S Asia

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:45:56 +0530

Many Lit fests are mushrooming in South Asia that are discussing and building new bridges across cultures.

Marvel Comics plan first same-sex marriage in the superhero world

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:30:52 +0530

Marvel comic book crime fighters 'The X-Men' are getting ready for the first same-sex marriage in the superhero world.

Marvel Comics plans wedding for gay hero Northstar

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:13 +0530

Wedding bells will ring this summer for Marvel Comics' first openly gay hero, super speedster Northstar, and his longtime boyfriend.

No humour please, we are Indians!

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:12:13 +0530

In 1923, iconic Bengali humorist Sukumar Ray described a curious race of beings "who were scared to laugh". With the government forced to apologise for a 1949 cartoon on Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar after parliamentarians of all hues raised a massive ruckus, are Indians becoming that humourless race?

A 'Kahaani' of Indian bureaucracy, corruption

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:57:28 +0530

His surname inspired a key character in the hit Bollywood film "Kahaani". Now writer Amitabha Bagchi has knit a plot about Indian bureaucracy, corruption and redemption in his new work, "The Householder".

Michelle contemplated divorcing Obama in 2000: Book

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:31:35 +0530

Michelle Obama contemplated divorcing Barack Obama in 2000 after he ignored her advice not to run for a House seat in Chicago, making him so "depressed" that friends feared he might commit suicide, says a new book.

New Indian novels mirror contemporary relationships

Wed, 16 May 2012 01:54:54 +0530

Contemporary Indian popular fiction that narrates "desi" cosmopolitan stories has been mirroring the changing man-woman relationship in a more open and accepting urban India, a leading literary agent says.

India encouraged LTTE in the 1980s: Book

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:54:17 +0530

The Indian policy on Sri Lanka in the 1980s, the formative years of the LTTE, provided encouragement to the separatist group, a new book has claimed. The book, 'Gota's War', talks about India's "covert" role in LTTE's growth as the outfit carried out frequent terrorist strikes in the island.

Goa CM Parrikar to pen a 'hilarious' memoir

Mon, 14 May 2012 03:26:08 +0530

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is planning to pen down a memoir on his political life and the 56-year-old claims he has enough fodder to make it to the bestseller list.

Indian books on spirituality a big draw: NBT chief

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:31:02 +0530

Books on Indian spiritualism are in great demand in foreign countries, and even the Chinese are impressed, said the National Book Trust (NBT) director MA Sikander.

JK Rowling's 'Pottermore' now open for all

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:54:04 +0530

Pottermore, an online hub developed by author JK Rowling for fans of the boy wizard Harry Potter is now open for all. The free site promises to be an exciting world full of new activities and information on Harry Potter and others from the hit book series.

Free Potter e-books to be offered through Kindle

Sun, 13 May 2012 11:30:39 +0530

Harry Potter has joined the Kindle lending library. Amazon.com announced on Thursday that on June 19, the e-book editions of JK Rowling's seven Potter novels will become part of the Kindle service available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Members can download a book for free once a month. Amazon's library has more than 145,000 books.

Nupur Talwar writing book on Aarushi's death

Fri, 11 May 2012 03:39:22 +0530

Nupur Talwar, accused in the 2008 twin murder of her teenaged daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj, is writing a book on the mystery behind her daughter's death in Dasna jail where she is lodged, prison officials said.

'Escape from Camp 14' unbelievable yet compelling

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:44:57 +0530

Veteran journalist Blaine Harden's latest book 'Escape from Camp 14' has been hailed by the media worldwide.

Nupur Talwar writing a book on Aarushi's murder

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:29:16 +0530

Murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar's mother Nupur Talwar is writing a book titled 'Mystery behind Aarushi's death - story by an unfortunate mother' inside the Dasna Jail. The jailor of Dasna Jail said that she wanted to bring out the real story.

Team Anna on '13 Days That Awakened India'

Sat, 05 May 2012 02:21:41 +0530

Members of Team Anna discuss IBN7 Managing Editor Ashutosh's book 'Anna -13 Days That Awakened India' at the book launch.

'Osama went out not with a bang but with a whimper'

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:45:03 +0530

Slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who all his life boasted that he would go down fighting and would ask his bodyguards to shoot him if ever he came near Americans, offered no resistance when US commandos cornered him in his Abbottabad hideout a year ago, claims a new book.

Joseph Anton: Rushdie's memoir of hiding days

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:15:00 +0530

Salman Rushdie has written a memoir based on the time he spent hiding while under a fatwa that sentenced him to death in 1989.

Archie comics gender swap: Archie becomes Archina

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:54:21 +0530

The main three characters will become Archina, Billy and Ronnie thanks to a magical spell cast by two special visitors to Riverdale - Sabrina the Teenage Witch and her cat Salem.

Sharad Pawar releases book on Yashwantrao Chavan

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:11:34 +0530

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Sunday remembered Maharashtra's first chief minister and veteran Congress leader Yashwantrao Chavan as a visionary economist who had the ability to explain the finer points of economics to the common man in simple language.

A 200-page pocketbook on Akhilesh - in 10 languages

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:54:52 +0530

The book has 14 chapters on topics such as Akhilesh Yadav's childhood, college days, political grooming, connection with the next generation, relationship with his father, the Kranti Rath Yatra and his ascent to the chief minister's post.

Noted poet, Booker judge on DSC literature prize panel

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:00:39 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature Friday announced the induction of five new members to its advisory committee for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the $50,000 prize.

'Che' comic inspired by his most famous portrait

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:27:57 +0530

The most famous photo ever taken of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was shot by Alberto Korda in 1960, an image so endlessly reproduced it became not only a political icon but a marketing and advertising asset. That photo is the point of departure for the new graphic novel about the "Comandante" now being published in Spanish.

Bill Gates to become comic book hero

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:27:23 +0530

Bill Gates is set to become the next comic book hero. The Microsoft founder's life will now be made into a graphic novel releasing by the end of the month. It will also be available on Nook and Kindle.

Manning Marable wins history Pulitzer posthumously

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:15:22 +0530

The late Manning Marable won the Pulitzer Prize for history on Monday, honoured for a Malcolm X book he worked on for decades but did not live to see published. For the first time in 35 years, no fiction prize was given.

1992-93 Mumbai riots chronicled in a book

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:25:02 +0530

Khatun Bi is one of the many real-life protagonists of the recently launched book 'Riots and After in Mumbai: Chronicles of Truth and Reconciliation'. The 65-year-old victim of 1992-93 Bombay riots might have a foggy memory about everything else but she clearly remembers the day when she had to hide neck-deep in a gutter as rioters violently raided the streets of Mumbai. Dipped in muck and her own fear, that day will always remain a living nightmare for Khatun Bi.

Kashmir to have first ever international literary fest

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:10:31 +0530

The first ever international Kashmir literary festival, on the lines of the Jaipur Literary Festival, is to be organized in the Valley this year, an official said in Srinagar on Monday.

Boyd to pen new Bond novel set in late 1960s

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:48:03 +0530

Suave and brutal British super-spy James Bond will find himself in the thick of danger at the end of the swinging '60s in a new, official novel by author William Boyd due out next year.

Aleph will be India's premium publishing brand: Davidar

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:18:54 +0530

As they announce their maiden line-up and launch their first titles, the publishers of Aleph Book Company disclose their strategy and future publishing plans.

Full list: Aleph Book's titles to be released this year

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:12:09 +0530

Aleph Book Company has announced its first list of titles to be released beginning 9 April 2012. The twenty-five books of fiction and non-fiction on the company's launch list will be published across five seasons, and will comprise original works by established authors as well as outstanding new voices.

'Flame': Shahnaz Husain's daughter pens biography

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:58:54 +0530

Popular beauty expert Shahnaz Husain's daughter, Nelofar Currimbhoy, has penned 'Flame', a biography of her mother.

Taking poetry to India's young readers

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:04:14 +0530

Prose has for long edged poetry to the margins of contemporary Indian literature. It is only natural that the new reader is not familiar with the late Kamala Das or her bold feminist oeuvre of poetry and short story that gave her cult status in India like Sylvia Plath in the West.

Indo-US relationship drifting apart, says a book

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:37:37 +0530

India should have sent its troops back to Sri Lanka to kill or capture Prabhakaran and the LTTE leadership after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, says a new book by a former US diplomat.

Top 20 Bollywood superstars captured in a book

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:38:53 +0530

A new book by Bhaichand Patel 'Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema' was launched by Kajol recently.

Young Indian writers scripting a new trend

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:00:13 +0530

While mainstream films have seen mass consumption in the country, a new breed of Indian fiction is seen doing the same. These books speak in a language which is hooking on a lot of first time readers. Indian writing in English has moved far beyond the Amitav Ghoshes, Vikram Seths and Salman Rushdies, even past Chetan Bhagat, who barged into the Indian publishing milieu and revolutionised the market.

Kishwar Desai talks of surrogacy, IVF in new book

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:08:40 +0530

Celebrities like Aamir Khan and Nicole Kidman going in for surrogacy has helped spread the word about the option and make people aware of it, says author Kishwar Desai, whose new book deals with the issue of assisted reproduction.

Erotic novel acquired by film producers

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:09:56 +0530

Universal Pictures and Focus Features have acquired the rights to EL James' bestselling erotic novel, 'Fifty Shades of Gray.'

Hachette acquires worldwide rights in Enid Blyton

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:54:00 +0530

Enid Blyton has an extensive publishing portfolio with 800 titles translated into 40 languages. Till date over 500 million copies of Enid Blyton books have been sold, outselling any other children's author.

Book advising ways to beat wife sparks outrage

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 01:35:16 +0530

An Islamic marriage guide advising men on 'the best ways' to beat their wives has sparked outrage in Britain, especially among moderate Muslims who say that it encourages domestic violence. The book - A Gift For Muslim Couple - tells husbands that they should beat their wives with "hand or stick or pull her by the ears", the Daily Mail reported.

Tamil writer chosen for Saraswati Samman

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:38:58 +0530

Tamil writer A A Manavalan has been chosen for the 'Saraswati Samman' 2011 for his book on Ramayana, the K K Birla Foundation announced on Thursday.

Penguin India to publish Amit Chaudhuri's works

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:02:42 +0530

In what is a landmark acquisition, Penguin Books India has acquired the Indian subcontinent rights to publish the acclaimed author Amit Chaudhuri's works.

Music, calligraphy, poetry in Vikram Seth's new work

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:37:59 +0530

Music, calligraphy, conversations and poetry merge in Vikram Seth's new anthology of poetry, 'The Rivered Earth', an eclectic journey into the heart of rhythmic lyricism that the writer of 'The Golden Gate' - a novel in verse - is known for.

IT Conclave: Salman Rushdie's session postponed

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:19:29 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie's literary session at the India Today Conclave has been postponed by a day to Saturday following a sudden change in schedule, the organisers said.

Italian group wants 'racist 'Divine Comedy' banned

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:36:36 +0530

A research group has said 'Divine Comedy' is racist, against Islam and should be banned from schools in Italy.

Imran Khan cancels India trip over Salman Rushdie

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:49:34 +0530

Rushdie's 1988 novel 'The Satanic Verses' is still banned in India and Pakistan for allegedly blaspheming against Islam

Gautam Bhattacharya's best seller ebook launched

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 01:40:55 +0530

Sports journalist Gautam Bhattacharya's best-seller on achievers in different fields, chronicling their struggle in life since childhood, became the first Bengali book to be available on ebook platforms worldwide.

Pulitzer-winner Boo unmasks Mumbai poverty in new book

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:09:07 +0530

Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Boo's idea to spend her days in a Mumbai slum originated one night while she was lying on the floor of her Washington, DC area home with a punctured lung and three broken ribs after tripping over a dictionary.

Penguin's annual 'Spring Lit Fest' in Delhi March 16

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 03:36:42 +0530

A series of sneak peeps into new books by top Indian writers will be the cornerstone of a festival of literature, "Spring Fever", to be held March 16-24 at the India Habitat Centre.

Ashutosh: Anna stir foretold Rahul's UP debacle

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:01:39 +0530

Anna had made a solid dent in Rahul's image. New York Times wrote on 28 August 2011, 'For Mr Gandhi, the crisis interrupted what was widely assumed to be his own coming out as the new leader of the Congress . . . Instead, Mr Hazare upended the political landscape and Mr Gandhi disappeared for days before his speech in Parliament.' There can't be a bigger setback for Rahul Gandhi than losing UP. He has staked a lot on his success there. I think this may well decide his chances of succeeding Manmohan Singh as PM. This also explains why every change or shift in the political landscape is carefully analysed. Every minor, even perceived, threat to his career is therefore seen with suspicion. I believe that this is what ultimately dictates his attitude and actions to the Anna stir.

APJ Kalam inspires youth at World Book Fair

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 03:41:56 +0530

It may be age of the iPad or the game console, but India's most popular President, APJ Kalam, showed the way - that with great books comes great imagination.

Lost Charlotte Bronte story finally published

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:15:29 +0530

A long-lost short story written by Charlotte Bronte for a married man with whom she had fallen in love was published online for the first time and comes out in print.

Gul Panag unveils Sachin Garg novel, says it's for all

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:02:27 +0530

Gul Panag unveiled young novelist Sachin Garg's latest book "Never Let Me Go" at the ongoing World Book Fair.

A karmic love story that begins and ends with India

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:26:20 +0530

A bit of India, ancient scriptures, Irish and Scottish myths, reincarnation, metaphysics and the common wisdom of pagan faiths that programmed the lives of pre-Christian people - all these constitute the spice of emerging British spiritual author AK Luthienne's new novel, 'The Sacred Quest', a love story.

'Digital format not threatening Urdu books'

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:37:33 +0530

Noted Urdu poet Waseem Barelvi has warned that information without knowledge was useless and that while the digitisation of Urdu literature was a positive step, it must not be seen as a replacement for the printed word.

Website for audio books launched at World Book Fair

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:21:49 +0530

Reado, a website of one of India's biggest audio books company, Think Ink Media Inc, was launched at the World Book Fair 2012 with 100-plus leading book titles which have been converted into downloadable audio books.

Kannada model-actress writes book on Rahul

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:04:10 +0530

The dusky model, movie actress and doctoral fellow from Bangalore is an unlikely political commentator. Meet Lakshmi Priya, an emerging writer who released her political comment, "Rahul Gandhi: The Great Warrior of Indian Politics" at the 20th World Book Fair.

'Cinema, literature on a par, building new synergy'

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:39:14 +0530

Cinema adaptations of novels is a challenge and helps forge new synergy between the screen and literature, speakers at a forum at the World Book Fair said.

World book fair celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:44:22 +0530

The World Delhi book fair commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, along with books celebrating the 100 years of Indian cinema.

JK Rowling has deal for new novel for adults

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:23:44 +0530

Adult fans of JK Rowling can rejoice: She has a new novel coming, for grownups. The kids will have to wait and see.

Grassroots Comics: New voice for rural issues

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:14:26 +0530

Comics have long been considered a medium of entertainment, but soon the caricatures may become a powerful medium for campaigning and spreading awareness about various social issues that abound in rural India.

Kapil Sibal, the poet, back with his second book

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:53 +0530

From a politician and a lawyer Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal is also a poet. Sibal's second anthology of poems will be released in Delhi this week. Four years after releasing his first anthology of poems, he's back with his second, 'My World Within', published by Roli Books.

Delhi celebrates its love for comics at Comic Con

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:21:45 +0530

Delhi's annual comic convention's second edition in the capital saw a sea of comic-lovers thronging the venue.

It's a myth that comics are fading: Comic Con organiser

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:02:24 +0530

Organiser Jatin Verma while speaking to IBNLive said that the comic scene in India is still alive but the market needs more investors.

2nd Annual Comic Convention kicks off in Delhi

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:36:37 +0530

The seemingly fading world of comics is set to come alive again as Indian comic book aficionados relive their favourite comic moments at the second edition of the Annual Indian Comic Convention. The Comic Con starts on February 17 at Dilli Haat, New Delhi.

Sahitya Akademi turns spotlight on poetry, nature

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:28:41 +0530

The prestigious Samvatsar lecture turned the spotlight on poetry this year to keep the Sahitya Akademi's commitment to promotion of poetry alive.

Israeli library uploads Newton's theological texts

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:32:14 +0530

Isaac Newton was also an influential theologian who applied a scientific approach to the study of scripture, Hebrew and Jewish mysticism.

Boy genius' book reveals life in college at age 8

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:28:27 +0530

Moshe Kai Cavalin was enroll in college at the age of 8 and earn his first of two Associate of Arts degrees from East Los Angeles Community College at age 9, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Guha among 22 awarded Sahitya Akademi Awards

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:11:13 +0530

Eight books of poetry, seven novels, three essays and one each short story, narrative history, biography and play were selected for this year's awards.

'Dynasty rooted in Indian political tradition'

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:20:56 +0530

Zareer Masani, who courted controversy with a biography of Indira Gandhi, feels dynasty is deeply rooted in the Indian political tradition.

New sensibilities emerging in literary translation

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:18:39 +0530

Translations of popular fictions, non-fictions and classics are much in demand in India and adorn bookshelves in many urban homes like status tags.

Lahore's Hira Mandi: a love affair

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:37:50 +0530

Claudine Le Tourneur d'lson has authored 12 books and is planning to pen a chronicle of her journeys in Pakistan.

India celebrates 200 years of Charles Dickens

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:20:44 +0530

As the world celebrates 200 years of Charles Dickens, so does India despite the intense debate on the relevance of Dickensian pedagogy in the 21st century.

Taslima row unfortunate, shameful: Mahasweta Devi

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:33:31 +0530

Magsaysay Award winning author Mahasweta Devi strongly criticised the cancellation of the release of controversial writer Taslima Nasreen's book following objections from fundamentalists.

BJP, Cong in war of words over Taslima's book

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:19 +0530

A war of words ensued between the BJP and the Congress today over the cancellation of the official release of controversial author Taslima Nasreen's book in Kolkata with the former accusing Congress of driving the country towards a dangerous mindset and the latter saying fanaticism was intrinsic to the Opposition party's DNA.

Taslima's book launched despite protests

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:43:10 +0530

Defying protests by 'religious fanatics' on Wednesday, the publisher of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's autobiography, Dey's Publishing, launched her book in front of a stall at the Kolkata Book Fair. This came as a protest against the guild's decision to cancel the book launch.

Rajiv leader of hearts, Pranab like brother: Mamata

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:31 +0530

Although she felt 'betrayed' by the Congress leadership many a time, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee describes the late Rajiv Gandhi as "the leader of our hearts" and Pranab Mukherjee as her brother.

Rushdie's writings painful for Muslims: Imran

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:21:08 +0530

Describing the writings of Salman Rushdie as "painful" for the Muslim community, Pakistani politician and former cricket captain Imran Khan on Monday said no one had a right to humiliate someone's belief.

'Sensationalism in 'Satanic Verses' has hurt Muslims'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:26:18 +0530

Attacking Salman Rushdie, Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Markandey Katju today said the "sensationalism" depicted by his book 'Satanic Verses' has deeply hurt Muslim sensitivities and that an individual's freedom of speech has to harmonised with the public interest.

Sentiments vs freedom: Rushdie issue festers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:26:39 +0530

Days after Salman Rushdie was not allowed to speak at the Jaipur Literature Festival, the issue continues to touch a raw nerve among Muslim clerics and intellectuals even as liberals excoriate the brazen violation of a writer's freedom of creative expression.

We cannot let them break the pen: Vikram Seth

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:23:09 +0530

God and the prophets do not need bullies to defend themselves, says the famous author.

Banning books is a sin: Chetan Bhagat

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:05:58 +0530

Opining that banning books is a sin, popular novelist Chetan Bhagat on Saturday said that the people should appreciate the diversity of opinion in our society. "Different people have different views. We must appreciate that. Nothing is absolute in this world," Bhagat said at the Kolkata Literary Meet.

Police stood by us on Rushdie: JLF Organiser

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:46:27 +0530

Jaipur literature Festival organiser Sanjoy Roy has claimed that JLF organisers chose to call off controversial author Salman Rushdie's video link even after the Rajasthan police promised protection. While speaking exclusively to Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate, he admitted that it was the festival organisers who decided to call off the video conference with the author at the last minute despite the assurances of security given by the police.

Once Mamata mistook lip balm for lipstick!

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:08:54 +0530

In life as in politics, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is known to have unconventional ways, like when she used saucepans for taking bath during her trip to New York in 1998 or bought lip balms mistaking them for lipsticks.

New book to feature Satyajit Ray's lost articles

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:51:55 +0530

It not only reveals Ray's engagement with cinema, but also provides an invaluable insight into the mind of a genius.

Rushdie row: Religion misused, says Vikram Seth

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:12:12 +0530

Criticising the government for the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's visit to the Jaipur Literature Festival, novelist Vikram Seth on Thursday said the affair was whipped up because of "power", "politics" and "misuse of religion".

Mamata was 'back stabbed' in childhood

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:11:11 +0530

She had summoned all her political astuteness and understanding to single-handedly unseat the Left Front from power in West Bengal, but when she was a child, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was so innocent that she was often back stabbed by her friends.

Rushdie is 'poor', 'sub-standard' writer: Katju

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:25:21 +0530

Salman Rushdie is a "poor" and "sub-standard writer" who would have remained largely unknown but for his controversial book 'Satanic Verses', according to Markandey Katju, till recently a judge of the Supreme Court.

JLF: Did the Rajasthan govt fail to protect artistic freedom?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:05:15 +0530

CNN-IBN's Sagarika Ghose and writer Anurag Anand discuss the row over Salman Rushdie's video link cancellation.

Know the real Mamata Banerjee in her new book

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:25:52 +0530

She's made history by toppling the 34-year-old Left regime in the West Bengal but there's more to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Not many people know that she's written 33 books also. The latest is 'My Unforgettable Memories'.

Rushdie blames politics for his gagging at JLF

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:27:20 +0530

Gagged not once but twice from participating in the Jaipur Literature Festival, controversial author Salman Rushdie says he won't back down and will keep coming back to India. He also blamed the government for bowing to, who he called, religious gangsters.

Rushdie video cancellation: How the day unfolded

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:37:03 +0530

The planned video address by celebrated author Salman Rushdie at the Jaipur Literature Festival was scrapped at the last minute on Tuesday because of security fears. Expressing regret over a situation that he described as 'fairly idiotic', The festival producer Sanjoy Roy said "We are having to step down in a fight for the freedom of expression", before breaking down on stage.

Editor's take: The Rushdie video cancellation row

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:50:38 +0530

Booker winning author Salman Rushdie's video conference was cancelled amidst high drama and following protests by Muslim groups at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Tuesday. The cancellation raises questions on not just the state government, but also the organisers and the freedom of expression.

JLF: Has the state of Rajasthan bowed down to protestors?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:04:17 +0530

Lawyer Akhil Sibal, AIMPLB member-lawyer Zafaryab Jilani and social activist Shabnam Hashmi discuss the Salman Rushdie video conference row.

I'll keep coming to India, deal with it: Rushdie

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:34:06 +0530

Booker winning author Salman Rushdie on Tuesday made it clear that he will keep coming to India despite the events that unfolded in the recent past. In an interview with the television news channel NDTV, Rushdie said, "It's a personal disappointment, but I will keep coming back to India, deal with it."

Rushdie video cancellation not a big issue: Singhvi

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:21:56 +0530

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said on Tuesday that the media was losing a sense of proportion and balance in the Salman Rushdie video conference issue. "We are losing a sense of proportion and balance in this issue. It is not such a great issue for us to exercise over minds over. The government of India never banned his (Rushdie's) visit. Video-link was stopped by the organisers of the festival."

JLF: Activist Kavita Srivastava slams Milli Council

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:09:33 +0530

Human rights activist Kavita Srivastava on Tuesday condemned the organisations which disrupted Salman Rushdie's video link that was supposed to take place at 3.45 PM. Slamming the Jaipur-based Milli Council, she said the threat to the author and the Lit Fest was very disturbing.

Freedom of speech needs a re-look: Rahul Bose

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:52:32 +0530

In the ongoing Rushdie row at the Jaipur Literature Festival, actor Rahul Bose drew attention to the limitations in the Constitution concerning freedom of speech in the country. "We need to take a look at 'Freedom of Speech' under the constitution of India. We need to campaign for change," he said.

Rushdie is welcome to visit Delhi: Sheila Dikshit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:51:09 +0530

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said she did not want to get into a controversy and that Delhi welcomes everyone.

Scrapping video at Jaipur Lit Fest awful: Rushdie

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:49:57 +0530

Disappointed over the cancellation of his video conference at the Jaipur Literature Festival, Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie called the decision 'awful'. "#JLF Videolink cancellation: awful...," Rushdie tweeted on Tuesday.

Rushdie should have been allowed to come: Jaitley

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:05:25 +0530

Slamming the government for "bowing to fundamentalists", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said controversial author Salman Rushdie should have been allowed to come to India.

I don't believe in the idea of banning books: Konkona Sen

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:59:32 +0530

Actress Konkona Sen said that she was disappointed, but not surprised by the cancellation of Rushdie's video link.

Do we need to redefine democracy, people at JLF question

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:31:20 +0530

People at the festival, who had come for Salman Rushdie's video conference were angry over the cancellation of the link.

Rushdie link cancellation not a govt decision: Raj Home Secy

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:09:18 +0530

Rajasthan Home Secretary GS Sandhu said that the government had given clearance and had no role in the cancellation of Rushdie's video link.

Rushdie video cancelled despite assurance: Police

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:07:39 +0530

Jaipur Police Commissioner BL Soni on Tuesday said that Salman Rushdie's live video conference at the Jaipur Literature Festival has been cancelled despite Rajasthan Police's assurance to the organisers to provide security.

'Freedom of speech not an absolute right'

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:02:38 +0530

Pavan Kumar Varma, writer and diplomat from New Delhi, said on Tuesday that the Freedom of Speech was not an absolute right. "If one criticizes Salman Rushdie, it does not mean that you are criticizing the freedom of expression," he said.

Govt not coming clean on Rushdie: Mark Tully

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:54:58 +0530

Writer Mark Tully on Tuesday slammed the government for not coming clean on the Salman Rushdie issue, saying if someone has offended religion sentiments then there is law to deal with it.

Author Sukumar Azhikode: a man of the masses

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:37:03 +0530

Veteran Malayalam writer and orator Sukumar Azhikode has on Tuesday breathed his last but his razor-sharp tongue and hard-hitting speeches interlaced with characteristic humour will remain in the memories of many who have heard him at least once.

Rushdie has hurt religious sentiments: AIMPLB

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:32:39 +0530

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) supported the cancellation of Booker prize winner Salman Rushdie's video link at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Tuesday, saying Rushdie had hurt religious sentiments in his book 'The Satanic Verses'.

Rushdie gagged, mob forces Fest to cancel video

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:50:03 +0530

Celebrated author Salman Rushdie's live video conference at Jaipur Literature Festival has been cancelled following protests by Jaipur-based Milli Council.

Rushdie welcome in Delhi, says Sheila Dikshit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:31:38 +0530

Amid protests by Muslim groups against hosting Salman Rushdie in Jaipur, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday said one may have differences with what he writes but the "very, very eminent" writer is welcome in the capital.

Rushdie's video link: Rajasthan offers support

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:21:31 +0530

Rajasthan government have come to the rescue of the Jaipur Literature Festival. The Festiva; organisers and Rajasthan police are holding consultations with Milli Council activists over Salman Rushdie's video conferencing at the Festival.

Threat to Rushdie makes us look like cowards: Shekhar Kapur

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:17:24 +0530

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur says that if at all there is a threat, we should think about everyone at the venue, not just an individual.

Call off Rushdie's video link: Milli Council

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:47:04 +0530

Milli Council activists on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Jaipur Literature Festival venue and demanded that Salman Rushdie's video conference be called off.

Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode dead

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:01:08 +0530

Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode died at a private hospital here on Tuesday morning, family sources said. He was 85.

Rushdie will not break law with his address: JLF

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:53:49 +0530

Noted author and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will not break any law with his video address at the Jaipur Literature Festival, organisers said on Tuesday.

Best of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:16:07 +0530

In this special CNN-IBN show, we bring to you the best moments and personalities of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2012.

Video allowed: Rushdie won't bring up Verses

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:07:28 +0530

In a new twist to the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's video confernce at the Jaipur Literature Festival, sources on Tuesday said the state authorities will allow him to speak but with certain conditions.

Question mark over Rushdie's video link at JLF

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:14:17 +0530

First it was the suspense over whether he will attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, now it\'s whether Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will be addressing the festival via videoconferencing.

'Had received inputs of SIMI threat to Rushdie'

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:42:43 +0530

Dismissing Salman Rushdie's charge that the state police had invented a 'plot' to keep him away from the Literature Festival, the Rajasthan government on Monday night said it had received intelligence inputs that the banned SIMI was planning to target him during the festival.

I don't regret reading from Rushdie's book: Joshi

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:40:27 +0530

Author Ruchir Joshi on Monday said that he does not regret reading out extracts from Salman Rushdie's banned book 'The Satanic Verses' at the Jaipur Literature Festival. Talking to IBN18 Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai on Talking Point, Joshi said that he was even ready to do it again if required.

JLF: Suspense prevails over Rushdie video address

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:29:49 +0530

The Rushdie controversy continues to cloud Jaipur's Literature Festival. The author is unlikely to be given permission to mark his presence through video conferencing at the festival tomorrow. According to sources, the police may reject the organiser's request for Rushdie's video conference session citing law and order concerns. A police complaint was, meanwhile, filed against organisers and the 4 authors who read from the banned book Satanic Verses.

JLF: Suspense over Rushdie's video address

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:31:58 +0530

Amidst reports that the Rajasthan police planned to deny permission to author Salman Rushdie for his video conference on Tuesday at 3:45 PM at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival, festival producer Sanjoy Roy said that he had no information about the whole issue.

Not illegal if I read from Rushdie's book: Jeet Thayil

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:45:26 +0530

The four writers who read excerpts from 'The Satanic Verses' left the Jaipur Fest amidst speculation that they may be arrested.

Rushdie issue has been politicised: Anupam Kher

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:27:43 +0530

As the Salman Rushdie episode looms large on the Jaipur Literature Festival, actor Anupam Kher said the issue has been 'politicised'.

Anupam Kher's lessons from life at Lit Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:50:50 +0530

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher donned a new hat of a self-help guru with the launch of his inspirational book 'The Best Thing About You is...You' at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Sunday evening.

Salman Rushdie to attend Jaipur Lit Fest via video

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:21:07 +0530

Booker Prize winning author Salman Rushdie will address the Jaipur Literature Festival via video conference on Tuesday. Rushdie will address the Jaipur Festival at 3.45 pm on Tuesday.

Arrest threat forces authors to leave Jaipur Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:14:14 +0530

Famous writer and one of the organisers of Jaipur Literature Festival, William Dalrymple on Monday said that the four authors who read excerpts from Salman Rushdie's banned 'The Satanic Verses' were asked to leave as there was a threat that they would be arrested. Dalrymple said that the organisers didn't know that reading from the 'The Satanic Verses' is an arrestable offence.

Rushdie row: 4 authors asked to leave Jaipur Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:50:44 +0530

The Salman Rushdie row refuses to die down as the four authors who read excerpts from Rusdhie's 'The Satanic Verses' have already left the Jaipur Literature Festival amidst speculation that they may be arrested if they had stayed on.

Campaign to lift ban on 'Satanic Verses' launched

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:39:48 +0530

In what could further stoke the Salman Rushdie controversy, a section of authors at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Sunday launched a campaign demanding immediate lifting of the 23-year-old ban on the controversial writer's book 'The Satanic Verses'.

WB: Mamata Banerjee writes a book on her career

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:23:08 +0530

Chronicling her meteoric rise from a grassroots worker to the highest echelons of power in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a book which has a photographic description of all the important landmarks of her remarkable political career.

'Cong backs Rahul but BJP distrustful of Varun'

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:11:18 +0530

A new book on Rahul Gandhi makes a comparison between him and his cousin who, it feels, is "practically isolated" in his party BJP.

Rushdie slams police, says life threat invented

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:02:41 +0530

Two days after he decided to skip the Jaipur Literature Festival citing threats from a Mumbai don, celebrated author Salman Rushdie on Sunday slammed the Rajasthan police for allegedly inventing a plot to keep him away.

Chetan Bhagat says banned writers not 'heroes'

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:31:17 +0530

Best-selling Indian writer Chetan Bhagat on Saturday criticised the support leant to authors whose books are banned for offending religious communities, a day after Salman Rushdie cancelled his trip to Jaipur citing death threat warning.

Author of 'Chinaman' wins the DSC Lit Prize

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:32:01 +0530

Shehan Karunatilaka, Sri Lankan author of 'Chinaman' wins the DSC Literature Prize for South Asia worth 50 thousand dollars.

William Dalrymple on Salman Rushdie's works

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:07:34 +0530

William Dalrymple, co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival talks about Rushdie's work and expresses his desire to see Rushdie attend the festival in the coming years.

MP demands arrest of writers for reading 'Satanic Verses'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:37:11 +0530

Member of Parliament and president of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the immediate arrest of the writers who Friday read Salman Rushdie's banned book 'Satanic Verses' at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

No info of threat to Rushdie: Police sources

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:23:48 +0530

Adding a new twist to the controversy over Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival, sources in Mumbai Police denied getting any inputs about paid assassins.

Rushdie row: authors protest, organisers defend

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:55:23 +0530

The controversy over celebrated author Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival has refused to die down. The organisers have now distanced themselves from authors who read Rushdie's banned book 'Satanic Verses' as a mark of protest on Friday.

No Rushdie at JLF: Authors blame politics

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:27:50 +0530

The suspense over Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival ended on Friday, but the row over his absence didn't. Authors Hari Kunzru and Amitava Kumar read out a passage from his banned book the 'Satanic Verses' to lodge their protest over Rushdie's absence before they were stopped by the organisers of the festival.

Oprah to attend Jaipur Literature Fest today

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:08:54 +0530

Salman Rushdie may have decided to give Jaipur Literature Festival a miss but those already at Jaipur are getting ready to catch a glimpse of talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah to don green Sabyasachi sari in Jaipur

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:26:33 +0530

An apple green sari with an embroidered black choli is what celebrity talk show host Oprah Winfrey will wear to a dinner at the City Palace as part of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival.

Salman Rushdie skips Jaipur Literature Festival

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0530

Celebrated author Salman Rushdie will not attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, which began in Rajasthan's capital on Friday. Rushdie issued a statement through the organisers of the festival saying that he will not be coming to the event.

Jaipur Literature Fest begins without Rushdie

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:43:42 +0530

The Jaipur Literature Festival began on Friday with an impressive line-up of Indian and international authors. However, uncertainty prevailed over the visit of controversial author Salman Rushdie.

Ground report: Jaipur Literature Festival

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:44:09 +0530

There is a heavy security cover although there is uncertainity whether Salman Rushdie will visit the fest or not.

Jaipur Literature Festival kicks off today

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:54:17 +0530

While mystery still surrounds the visit of Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, the Jaipur Literature Festival will kick off on Friday with an array of international and Indian writers and global celebrities including TV mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Book Watch 2012: Rajinikanth, Obama biographies

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:28:34 +0530

Several interesting titles including biographies of Barack Obama, Rajnikanth and Aung San Suu Kyi and fictional works by the likes of Jeffrey Archer and Shobhaa De have been lined up for 2012.

Hitler stole Beetle idea from Jew engineer: book

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:18:40 +0530

Adolf Hitler stole the idea for the iconic Volkswagen Beetle car from a Jewish engineer and had his name written out of history, a historian has said in a new book.

Penguin India to mark 2012 as silver jubilee year

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:01:08 +0530

Penguin India, known for publishing the best writing from the Indian subcontinent, will mark its silver jubilee celebrations in 2012 with a series of initiatives, including the launch of a list comprising some of the best loved titles in its 25 years.

Lit fests popularise books: Naseeruddin Shah

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:03:57 +0530

Actor Naseeruddin Shah feels that literary festivals play an important role in spreading awareness about books among the new generation.

Feldman to write a book on Hollywood paedophiles

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:55:03 +0530

Former child star Corey Feldman claims to have been sexually abused by paedophiles when he was a teenager and says he will reveal their names in a book.

Mrs Obama: Some give her 'angry black woman' image

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:40:27 +0530

First lady Michelle Obama is challenging assertions she has forcefully imposed her will on White House aides and says people have inaccurately tried to portray her as "some kind of angry black woman."

Three Indian writers shortlisted for literary honour

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:50:12 +0530

Works of three Indian writers - Amitav Ghosh, Rahul Bhattacharya and Jahnavi Barua - have been shortlisted for the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize.

'For women, love comes from vulnerability'

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:39:26 +0530

Writer and novelist Namita Gokhale runs her readers through a roller-coaster of emotions in her first ever collection of short stories, 'The Habit of Love'.

Elton John turns author, to pen stories about AIDS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:53:38 +0530

Legendary singer Elton John is all set to share his experiences of the global AIDS epidemic in his first book.

Tom Stoppard in India Jan 23 to talk about adaptations

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:57:10 +0530

Tom Stoppard will team up with leading playwrights Girish Karnad, David Hare and Annie Proulx at the Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 23 to address a session, Adaptation.

First ever gay wedding on Archie Comics cover

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:48:34 +0530

After introducing its first gay character, Archie Comics has now featured the same-sex wedding between Kevin Keller and partner Clay Walker on its front cover for the first time.

Book fair to celebrate 100 years of Indian films

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0530

The NBT Friday unveiled a calendar, 'Literature and Indian Cinema', as a thematic prelude to the book fair.

James Franco set to release his debut novel

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:04:08 +0530

His debut novel is not his first book, he previously released a collection of short stories entitled 'Palo Alto'.

Rushdie to attend Jaipur Lit Fest Jan 20-22

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:55:39 +0530

Breaking a minor jinx in India which began with last September'a failed Harud Festival in Kashmir, celebrated writer Salman Rushdie will attend the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 20-24, the organisers said on Tuesday.

The mystery behind Shimla's 'Scandal Point'

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:08:37 +0530

Manju Jaidka in her historical fiction has tried to get to the bottom of the mystery of Shimla's Scandal Point.

Jaiput Litfest 2012: The programme

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:41:03 +0530

On view: Tom Stoppard, Richard Dawkin,s Annie Proulx, Hisham Matar, Jamaia Kincaid, Teju Cole, Michael Ondaatje...

Scrapbook tells how Rudolph went down in history

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:26:13 +0530

Curious to know more about how Rudolph really went down in history? It's all in the pages of a long-overlooked scrapbook compiled by the story's author, Robert L May.

Lonely Tagore was haunted by depression: Biography

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:01:45 +0530

Famed for his literary, artistic and intellectual capabilities the world over, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore led a very lonely life and even suffered from frequent bouts of depression, says his new biography.

Spider-Man creator to make a superhero for India

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:25:06 +0530

Stan Lee, co-creator of some of the world's leading superhero characters like Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk and Thor will be launching an original superhero for the Indian market.

2012 will be game changer for Indian publishing

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:13:06 +0530

Shobit Arya, the founder and publisher of Wisdom Tree writes about what we can expect from the Indian publishing next year.

Film comic book 'Don: The Origin' comes to India

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:46:29 +0530

The novel, conceived and scripted by director Farhan Akhtar of 'Don' (2006) and its sequel 'Don 2' which is set to release on Friday, has been published by Om Books.

Tagore's notebook sold for US $ 170,500

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:25 +0530

The notebook, estimated to fetch US $ 150,000-250,000, was finally sold for US $ 170,500.

Red Fort to Raisina: a book on Delhi

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:37:23 +0530

The book traces the development of Delhi from the period of Shah Jahan to the British Delhi.

Tagore's notebook to be auctioned in US today

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:20:47 +0530

Rabindranath Tagore's 83-year-old notebook will be auctioned in New York on Tuesday.

Shah Rukh's 800-page biography to weigh 37 kgs!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:43:45 +0530

'King Khan - The Official Opus of Shah Rukh Khan' is likely to be released next year.

Mediascope launches luxury magazine BlackBook

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:57:13 +0530

Mediascope Publicitas has launched BlackBook, a monthly magazine that will chronicle the ups and downs, the triumphs and struggles of the country's nascent luxury industry.

Graphic novel app brings Dickensian London to life

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:02:53 +0530

Stroll the grimy backstreets of Dickensian London and experience for yourself the sights and sounds which inspired one of the greatest writers in English literature.

Amazon to buy over 450 children's book titles

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:33:16 +0530

Amazon.com Inc will acquire more than 450 children's book titles in the US from publisher Marshall Cavendish.

Jobs biography Amazon's best-selling book of 2011

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:54:52 +0530

'Steve Jobs', the only authorised biography of the late Apple co-founder, has climbed to the top of Amazon.com's best-selling books for 2011.

'A Suitable Girl' might become 'An Unsuitable Boy'

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:23:12 +0530

Novelist Vikram Seth, who is writing a sequel to 'A Suitable Boy', may not name his new book 'A Suitable Girl' as everyone was led to believe. It could even be named 'An Unsuitable Boy'.

Dalai Lama to speak of happiness at Penguin Lecture

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:50:41 +0530

The Dalai Lama will outline his idea of human well-being on Dec 3 at the fifth edition of the annual Penguin Lecture.

Ferrari unveils diamond-encrusted biography

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:32:36 +0530

Ferrari unveiled its official biography 'The Ferrari Official Opus' -- the diamond-encrusted volume is priced at $250,000.

Siddhartha Mukherjee scoops Guardian first book award

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:51:14 +0530

A history of cancer, 'The Emperor of All Maladies', won the 2011 Guardian First Book Award on Thursday, beating four works of fiction also on the shortlist.

Pulitzer journalism entries to be submitted online

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:01:43 +0530

The Pulitzer Prize board is changing how news organizations can enter its competition and says all submissions must now be done online.

Beatles legend Harrison's sister plans tell-all book

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:40:57 +0530

Louise Harrison is the older sister of the late guitarist - who died of lung cancer ten years ago on November 29 - at the age of 58.

I still have a long way to go: Ruskin Bond

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:06:10 +0530

Ruskin Bond, one of the best known English writers in India, once said that 'pen, in honest and gifted hands, is mightier than the grave'. The author, now 77, lives by this philosophy and says he has many more stories to tell.

Rainbow bookshelf: The queer story, now in print

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:08:52 +0530

Gay literature has arrived in India, the boy actually meets a boy, they fall in love and unlike in the movies - it's not supposed to be funny.

Action Comics 1 sells for $2.16 million in auction

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:50:21 +0530

A rare and pristine copy of the first issue of Action Comics, famed for the first appearance of Superman, has set a record on Wednesday for the most money paid for a single comic book: $2.16 million.

Action Comics Superman debut copy sells for $ 2.16 mn

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:27:57 +0530

A copy of the first issue of Action Comics, featuring Superman's debut, has become the world's most expensive comic, fetching $2.16 million.

Kids' book project marries tech with storytelling

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:58:37 +0530

A project 'Write & Read: By Us For Us' - a compilation of short stories - has turned the portable computer printer into a creative device by using computer printing technology to put together an anthology of short stories.

'Essential Tagore' nominated best book of year

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:48:10 +0530

'The Essential Tagore', a new anthology of Rabindranath Tagore's translated literature and art works, has been nominated the 'book of the year-2011' by eminent American philosopher, writer and critic Martha Nussbaum.

'Wandering Falcon' wins Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:29:40 +0530

Jamil Ahmad's The Wandering Falcon has won the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2011.

'Sita's Ramayana' brings out Sita's angst

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:49:24 +0530

The docile and soft Sita of Ramayana may not be a role model for most women today, however, author Samhita Arni in a new graphic novel has brought out the bolder colours of the epic character.

'Never thought Mao's biography would be an expose'

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:40:54 +0530

Jung Chang's book was described as a "bombshell of a devastating work" by the British media.

US: Tagore's 83-year-old notebook to be auctioned

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:44:32 +0530

A notebook belonging to legendary Indian poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, containing poems and drafts of his work, will go under the hammer in New York at a Sotheby's auction next month.

Kerala: Second edition of Hay festival kicked off

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:32:21 +0530

The eagerly awaited second edition of the annual Hay Festival kicked off in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The festival for all those who love stories, big ideas and good company started on Thursday and will go on till Saturday.

Tharoor to write book on India's role in new world

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:30:47 +0530

After a hiatus of two years, politician-writer Shashi Tharoor is back to writing a book. And this time, it's about India's place in the new balanced world.

Kerala set for second edition of the Hay Festival

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:21:47 +0530

A three-day cultural fete featuring poets, authors, journalists and filmmakers, begins on 17th November.

Booker winner, poet laureate vie for UK Costa prize

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:30:12 +0530

Julian Barnes, who won this year's Man Booker Prize for Fiction, and Carol Ann Duffy, Britain's poet laureate, were among the nominees for the 2011 Costa Book Awards announced on Tuesday.

'Through the Lens...' with love, from Bhutan King

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:56:28 +0530

A compilation of photographs on Bhutan, 'Through the Lens of the King' is published by Roli Books.

I do not write for the critics: Amish Tripathi

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:39:12 +0530

After the success of 'Immortals of Meluha' and 'Secret of Nagas', Amish Tripathi is set to write his third book.

Ronnie Biggs apologises for Great Train Robbery

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:54:09 +0530

Biggs, now 82, who has never before shown remorse for the robbery, has, however, said sorry to Mills' family in an updated version of his autobiography.

New Indira Gandhi bio narrates her personal story

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:03:38 +0530

Uma Vasudev has authored three political biographies of Indira Gandhi, exploring a wide range from history to fiction.

Zawahiri set up Osama bin Laden: Book

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:35:43 +0530

Eager to become the leader of al Qaeda, the then number two Aymen Zawahiri set up Osama bin Laden by repeatedly sending a courier to his hiding place in Abbottabad who had been interrogated by the CIA, a new book by a former SEAL has claimed.

Siddhartha, Mahashweta Devi awarded at Lit Live

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:23:33 +0530

Mahashweta Devi won the lifetime achievement award at Mumbai's Literature Live and Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' won best first book.

Sex manual banned in Malaysia

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:30:41 +0530

The ban slaps the equivalent of a $1,600 fine and up to three years in jail for anybody who publishes the book.

Steve Jobs' pirated biography sold in Shanghai

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:15:54 +0530

The pirated version of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' biography is being sold in Shanghai as bookstores have run out of the authorised copies, a media report said.

Boosted by relaunch, DC overtakes Marvel

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:44:17 +0530

DC Comics overtook long-time rival Marvel for the first time since 2002 after figures for October sales of comic books showed the publisher of relaunched versions of Superman, Batman, the Flash and others, gathering 51 per cent of the market share for the month compared with nearly 30.3 per cent for Marvel.

Obama is truly USA's hybrid president: biographer

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:28:36 +0530

Barack Obama is America's "truly hybrid" president who represents many continents, races, cultures and histories, his first Indian-American biographer has said.

Clinton offers job creation policies in new book

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:11:30 +0530

In his book, 'Back to Work,' Bill Clinton analyses the factors that contributed to US' economic woes.

Amitav Ghosh's 'The Shadow Lines' to be filmed

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:31:50 +0530

is convinced he could make a gripping script out of the story about the narrator's family in Kolkata and Dhaka and their connection with an English family in London.

DU's south campus to host 'book bazaar'

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:17 +0530

For the book worms of Delhi, this weekend will offer a new avenue to immerse in the culture of readings, with Delhi University's south campus hosting a three-day 'book bazaar'.

Common ground is not impossible: Rohini Nilekani

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:42:15 +0530

Well known philanthropist and writer Rohini Nilekani's book 'Uncommon Ground' is out. It is a compilation of interviews she did for a TV channel. Rohini Nilekani spoke to CNN-IBN's D P Satish about her book and more.

Belgian court's adviser says Tintin book not racist

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:56:28 +0530

The court case comes at a time when Tintin's popularity is on a comeback with a new Hollywood film from director Stephen Spielberg about the intrepid Belgian boy journalist on an adventure alongside Snowy, Captain Haddock and Inspector Thompson.

Crime authors competing for UK morgue honour

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:37:30 +0530

Ten leading crime writers are competing for the honour of having a morgue named after them.

'Literature Live!' Mumbai Lit Fest is back

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:59:31 +0530

The 2011 TATA Literature Live! Mumbai Literature Fest will be held from November 3 to 6 in Mumbai.

Get that book out - self-publish!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:28:36 +0530

A popular concept in the US, the self-publishing industry in India is on a rapid rise.

WSJ best-seller lists to include e-books

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:55:04 +0530

The Wall Street Journal has an agreement with Nielsen BookScan to publish best-seller lists that include both physical books and e-sales.

Dracula author's first vampire sketch found

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:16:06 +0530

The private journal of author Bram Stoker, in which he sketched his first thoughts about his legendary creation 'Dracula', has been unearthed after more than 100 years.

Debut novelist wins 'The Hindu Literary Prize'

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:50:45 +0530

Rahul Bhattacharya bagged the 'The Hindu Literary Prize for Best Fiction 2011' for his 'The Sly Company of People Who Care'.

Man Asian Literary Awards: 5 Indians in long-list

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:01:41 +0530

The forthcoming books of five Indian authors - 'Rebirth' by Jahnavi Barua, 'River of Smoke' by Amitav Ghosh, 'The Sly Company of People Who Care' by Rahul Bhattacharya, 'The Folded Earth' by Anuradha Roy and 'The Valley of Masks' by Tarun J Tejpal - have made their place in the illustrious list of literary honour.

Hay lit fest returns to Kerala for second time

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:46:35 +0530

One of the biggest literary events in the world, the Hay Festival makes its way again into India this November.

DSC Prize for South Asian Lit shortlist announced

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:31:53 +0530

HM Naqvi won the inaugural DSC Prize last year for his novel 'Home Boy'.

Breast cancer survivor's book a moving tale

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:30:37 +0530

Minakshi Chaudhry, a breast cancer survivor has penned a book narrating her innate struggle and eventual triumph.

'King's Speech' to be now published as a book

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:59:26 +0530

Rights to the published scripts and tie-in books for many films have been acquired by HarperCollins.

Gulzar to open Goa literary festival

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:34:40 +0530

Legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar will be inaugurating the second edition of Goa Art Literary festival.

Jobs questioned authority all his life: Book

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:25:29 +0530

A new biography portrays Steve Jobs as a sceptic all his life - giving up religion because he was troubled by starving children, calling executives who took over Apple "corrupt" and delaying cancer surgery in favour of cleansings and herbal medicine.

Julian Barnes wins prestigious Booker Prize

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:23:28 +0530

It was fourth time lucky for British writer Julian Barnes, who won literature's Booker Prize on Tuesday after a contest that had as many insults, rivalries and bitter accusations as a paperback potboiler.

Author Barnes backed for Booker amid literary spat

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:47:58 +0530

English author and four-time nominee Julian Barnes, who once dismissed the Man Booker Prize for fiction as "posh bingo," is favored to win it on Tuesday with his novel "The Sense of an Ending."

Stan Lee's got a new universe, and it's for kids

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:46:39 +0530

Stan Lee's had a hand in creating many memorable heroes and villains that have jumped from the pages of comic books to popular culture.

James writes sequel to Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:08:46 +0530

The 91-year-old detective novelist said on Wednesday she was glad to finally complete a long-desired project - a sequel to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Coming soon: Biography on Sonia Gandhi

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:15:17 +0530

A new biography of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, written by a non-resident Indian and with a foreword by Mikhail Gorbachev, casts new and intimate light on her life through exclusive interviews with members of the Congress party, political opponents and family friends.

Italian wins free-speech prize for mafia expose

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:02:14 +0530

Italian writer Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection since penning 2006 bestseller 'Gomorrah' about Naples' mafia, has won the PEN/Pinter International Writer of Courage Award.

Indian language literature goes to Frankfurt Book Fair

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:58:06 +0530

The literary panorama, initiated by the union culture ministry under the 'ILA: Indian Literature Abroad' project, will be held on Oct 12-16.

Jataka tales add to Buddhist books in Poland

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:31:09 +0530

Polish interest in Buddhist literature has been growing due to the popularity of the Dalai Lama.

Jobs authorised biography so his kids can know him

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:48:10 +0530

Steve Jobs, in pain and too weak to climb stairs a few weeks before his death, wanted his children to understand why he wasn't always there for them, according to the author of his highly anticipated biography.

Nobel laureate Transtromer's work out of stock

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:43:48 +0530

The work of the 80-year-old Transtromer has been released by several US publishers and reissues are planned.

Steve Jobs biography pushed up for release

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:24:05 +0530

The release date for a Steve Jobs biography has been pushed up to October 24, according to a spokesman for Simon & Schuster, the publishing house behind the long-awaited book.

Literature Nobel for Swedish poet Transtromer

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:42:37 +0530

The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2011 is awarded to the Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer.

Rajasthan's 'Shakespeare' elated over Nobel chance

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:46:38 +0530

Author of folk tales Vijaydan Detha, also called Rajasthan's Shakespeare, is elated that his name is doing the rounds for the Nobel prize for literature this year.

Quercus snaps up Oxford student in two-book deal

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:02:26 +0530

Quercus, a young, vibrant, internationally successful and award-winning publisher of fiction, non-fiction and children's books has acquired two books by debut author Prajwal Parajuly.

Kerala poet happy to figure in Nobel speculation

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:25:18 +0530

K Satchidanandan is a leading poet and critic with works in both Malayalam and English.

Test cricket here to stay: Lankan cricket novelist

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:52:02 +0530

Shehan Karunatilaka, the author of 'Chinaman' says Test cricket is here to stay despite the swing in its fortunes.

Nobel Literature winner to be announced Oct 6

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:04:29 +0530

This year's Nobel Prize for Literature will be announced on Thursday, the Swedish Academy, which hands out the 10 million Swedish crown ($ 1.46 million) award, said on Monday.

Bhopal and books - a forever affair

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:56:58 +0530

After the royal era, not only professional writers but even administrators, professors, doctors, officers of state services and journalists have penned their memoirs or done creative writing in the city.

Courtney Love memoir to 'set the record straight'

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:52:17 +0530

The hard-living rock star and actress known for her band Hole and for her brief marriage to Kurt Cobain has a book deal with William Morrow.

Reliance MediaWorks to provide digital video library

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:52:40 +0530

Reliance MediaWorks has tied up with video management and licensing service provider Thought Equity Motion, Inc to offer integrated "smart content" to players in advertising, film, television, publishing and interactive media.

Not many takers for Assange's autobiography

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:04:32 +0530

The Unauthorised Autobiography of WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange could not drum up interest of readers, as the first three days of its arrival in the market have seen sales of just over 600 copies.

Harry Potter e-book sales postponed until 2012

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:50:26 +0530

Harry Potter fans will have to wait a bit longer to buy the magic tales in electronic form. The creators of the online Potter portal said on Friday that the launch of an e-book store has been pushed back to next year.

On bookshelf this week: Water, food, love and secrets

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:35:21 +0530

A study of the murky water politics in Asia, a compilation of gastronomic delights, Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif's story of a Catholic choohra and a short-story collection by Ruskin Bond -- the book-cart this week is excitingly distinct.

Bloomsbury venture to bring books 'back from dead'

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:28:46 +0530

The publisher is focusing on books which are out of print and where all English-language rights have reverted back to the author or the author's estate.

Photo book of quake-hit city to be published

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:23:37 +0530

'The Town that Vanished in 4 Minutes' is a collection of photos showing glimpses of a city in north-eastern Japan flattened by the March tsunami.

'Men' producer writing tell-all book on Sheen

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:51:19 +0530

Charlie Sheen's former boss Chuck Lorre is writing a tell-all book on the open hostility between the two.

Palin threatens to sue author of 'Rogue' book

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:44:48 +0530

'The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin' is written by veteran political writer Joe McGinniss.

Assange moans about unofficial autobiography

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:23:11 +0530

An 'unauthorized' version of Assange's autobiography has prompted him to make public some of his own secrets.

Pak author cleared for India visit after visa glitch

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:52:33 +0530

Best-selling Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif, whose visa file was reportedly misplaced by the home ministry, has been given the go-ahead to attend a literature festival in India, the event organisers said on Wednesday.

Al Qaeda isn't near defeat, it's winning: Author

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:16:33 +0530

Even after the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the terror outfit is not going away, in fact it is winning, says Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, the author of 'Bin Laden's Legacy'.

Mamata Banerjee promises to start writing again

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:02:19 +0530

Mamata Banerjee will write a regular column in the party's weekly mouthpiece, Jaago Bangla.

Pak author latest victim of Indo-Pak visa issues?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:46:49 +0530

Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif waited for visa for four weeks, but is now told his file is lost.

When Mahatma threatened to throw out wife

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:44:36 +0530

The heroes of modern India have come alive in their human avatars in a new anthology of biographical sketches by noted writer and former governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

A tale of two writers: A waiter and chaiwala

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:20:35 +0530

Nandkishore Kushwaha, a waiter and Kuwar Dheer Bahadur Singh, a cook are writers, with several of their novels already in the market.

Politics, cinema at Delhi literature fest

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:40:07 +0530

Politics, Anna Hazare, new wave cinema and changing trends in contemporary writing will be on offer at the daylong 'The Hindu Lit for Life' festival on Sunday.

Colin Powell advises 'get mad' in new book

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:19:28 +0530

Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell has penned a book on leadership skills with the advice "get mad, then get over it".

Amitav Ghosh shortlisted for Hindu prize

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:49:07 +0530

Seven writers, including Amitav Ghosh, Sunil Gangopadhyay and UR Ananthamurthy, are in the fray for the Hindu Best Fiction Award 2011.

Schwarzenegger to write 'unbelievably true' memoir

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:16:41 +0530

Arnold Schwarzenegger is writing a memoir about his rise to fame and unlikely transition from Austrian-born champion bodybuilder to Hollywood action star to California governor, his publisher said on Thursday.

Massachusetts library lifts ban on Mark Twain book

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:13:10 +0530

A Mark Twain book with nude illustrations, added to a Massachusetts public library after a century-old ban was lifted, was plucked from the shelf within hours on Thursday.

Sachin, Dravid were not match winners: Shoaib

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:50:13 +0530

Shoaib Akhtar made some startling revelations about his autobiography 'Controversially Yours'.

Gulzar translating Tagore's poems for children

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:09:21 +0530

The veteran lyricist also says that the collection will be released within a year.

PM's daughter to capture parents' life in a book

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:47:04 +0530

Writer Daman Singh, daughter of Manmohan Singh, says she is recreating her parents' life story for her new book through the memories of those who saw the prime minister and his wife maturing as a power couple over the decades.

German playwright to open Kovalam Literary Fest

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:04:16 +0530

The first edition of Kovalam Literary Festival kicking off in Delhi on September 29.

Emma Thompson writing new 'Peter Rabbit' book

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:10:51 +0530

The book is to be published by Penguin in September 2012.

Small is big in publishing now

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:36:00 +0530

The likes of Chetan Bhagat and Amish Tripathi might be making waves in the literary scene of the country, but in Kerala too, young writes and first-timers are not far behind.

Why didn't the bomb explode? Afzal Guru wonders

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 05:22:10 +0530

Why didn't the bomb, planted in the car used during the 2001 Parliament attack, not explode? This question still puzzles convicted terrorist Afzal Guru, claims a 180-page manuscript by a Tihar jail superintendent.

Book chronicling Bengali identity released

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:38:07 +0530

'Land of two rivers: a history of Bengal from the Mahabharata to Mujib', authored by former member secretary of Planning Commission Nitish Sengupta, gives a vivid account of the development of Bengal on either side.

Judge extends time for Google digital books talks

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:37:02 +0530

Google Inc and authors and publishers groups have about nine more months to untangle their six-year-old legal dispute over plans to create the world's largest digital library, a federal judge said on Thursday.

Comic Convention in Mumbai

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:41:07 +0530

Mumbai is all set to host its first Comic Convention in October. And going by the fact that 15,000 fans attended the first of these annual meets in Delhi last year, expectations are high.

S&S plans a unique marketing strategy for India

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:10:59 +0530

Simon & Schuster Director of Sales and Marketing speaks about the company, its future course of plan in India.

DSC Prize for South Asian Lit longlist announced

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:37:33 +0530

The longlist for the prestigious $ 50,000 prize, which selects the finest writing from or focusing on South Asia. This includes both established and debut writers, as well as three translated works.

Manipal University's new course of action

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:19:33 +0530

Ranjan Pai first met Mohandas Pai in the late 1990s at the Infosys campus in Electronic City, Bangalore. Ranjan's father Ramdas Pai was impressed by the bright chief financial officer (CFO) of a promising IT company and wanted his son to meet him. At first Ranjan didn't quite take to him. But on his father's insistence, kept in touch with Mohandas.

Captain Jihad: Ex-terrorist is now comic book hero

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:10:59 +0530

The real life adventures of former al-Qaeda-linked terrorist Nasir Abas have become a new comic book in Indonesia, chronicling his transformation from militant to invaluable ally in the fight against terrorism.

Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize shortlist announced

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:40:53 +0530

A 78-year-old goes up against five other writers for a prize for the first book by an author.

9/11 triggers cascade of books

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:36:16 +0530

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 has unleashed a cascade of books, tributes and new editions of old books.

Barnes shortlisted for Man Booker Prize for Fiction

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:08:17 +0530

The English author is said to be bookmakers' favourite to win the award.

New entrants to list of lit fests as season kicks off

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:01:53 +0530

The Hindu is bringing its three-day festival, starting Sep 25.

Classic Le Carre spy novel gets movie makeover

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:23:34 +0530

Author John Le Carre's 1974 espionage classic 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' finally gets the big screen treatment, with Gary Oldman as George Smiley charged with rooting out a mole in British intelligence.

Anna mania grips Delhi Book Fair

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:26:04 +0530

The epicentre of attraction has shifted from Ramlila Maidan to Pragati Maidan where the Delhi Book Fair is on and books on Anna Hazare are quite a hit. The hot-selling 150-page biography of the new age Gandhian is called 'Krantidoot'. Over 50,000 copies of the book have already been sold since the book fair started in the capital last week.

Vodafone Crossword book awards announced

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:08:14 +0530

The Annual Vodafone Crossword Books Awards were announced on Friday. The brainchild of R Sriram, the founder of the Crossword chain, the awards were given out for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Translated Books (Fiction and Non-Fiction), Children's Books and Popular Books. The first four was decided by separate juries - whose identity is always kept secret till the presentation - while the fifth was through online voting alone.

Crossword Book Awards to be announced Friday

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:35:29 +0530

Awards will be given out in five categories, four of them chosen by separate juries and one by popular vote.

China honours Indian with highest literary award

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:12:58 +0530

China has conferred its highest literary award on Prof BR Deepak for his book, which is a translation of 88 classical Chinese poems into Hindi.

China launches first book on marine life

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:25:40 +0530

China on Tuesday published its first "systematic" textbook on marine life.

Westland, Niyogi bag best publishing awards

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:30:53 +0530

A biography, "JS & The Times of My Life" by Jug Suraiya, published by Westland Limited and "Middle Time", published by Niyogi Books were awarded for "excellence in book production 2011" by the Federation of Indian Publishers at the ongoing Delhi Book Fair 2011.

Srinagar autumn lit fest 'Harud' cancelled

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:57:56 +0530

The festival was scheduled to be held on the Kashmir University premises.

Virtual book club brings author into homes

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:32:32 +0530

The traditional book club has gone virtual, thanks to technology that spans geographic boundaries and can bring authors into readers' living rooms.

'Notting Hill' bookstore may be forced to shut down

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:11:03 +0530

A Group of writers has launched a last-ditch appeal to save the bookshop, volunteering their time to work in the store and find a buyer.

Controversy brews over Srinagar lit fest

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:04:41 +0530

Harud - The Autumn Literature Festival, is scheduled to be held in Srinagar Sep 24-26.

'Truly Madly Deeply' a coming-of-age romcom

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:23:02 +0530

Faraaz Kazi's debut novel is about a boy who from a careless, fun-loving boy turns into an obsessed maniac.

Shah Rukh Khan launches Deanne Pandey's book

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:53:07 +0530

Shah Rukh Khan on Friday launched celebrity fitness instructor Deanne Pandey's book 'I'm Not Stressed' in Mumbai.

To pull tourists, Himachal books its legends

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:11:17 +0530

To grab more tourists for rural areas, the state has decided to publish a book about its popular local tales.

Penguin launches free browsing mobile app

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:55:44 +0530

A mobile phone application will now enable readers and book lovers to log on to the Penguin database to browse through its bookshelf for latest titles and news related to publishing.

'Best of Khushwant Singh' returns in new avatar

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:45:06 +0530

First published 20 years ago with 30 of Singh's selected works, has been revised to include 18 more of his essays, short stories and opinions.

Anna inspires sale of Vivekananda's books

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:40:34 +0530

Books on Swami Vivekanada are flying off the shelves in Himachal Pradesh after Anna Hazare repeatedly referred to the philosopher-saint as the guiding light of his life.

Chetan Bhagat's next novel 'Revolution 2020'

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:40:31 +0530

Chetan Bhagat's next book hits stores this October. The book talks about love, corruption and ambition.

DSC Lit Prize Longlist to be announced in Sep

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:07:53 +0530

The longlist for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2012 will be announced on September 14, 2011 in New Delhi. The event is expected to be attended by eminent literary personalities and patrons of the DSC Prize.

It needs more than love to write about India

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:28:46 +0530

Dirk Collier, who made at least 50 trips to India over 10 years and took seven years to write a book.

Teenage novelist inspired by Chetan Bhagat

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:22:51 +0530

Midway through a Chetan Bhagat book, 19-year-old engineering student Anshul Sharma had a sudden thought - that he could do a better job at writing.

Biography claims Coco Chanel was a Nazi spy

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:43:39 +0530

The book claims the French designer collaborated with the Nazis during World War II as a spy code-named "Westminster."

Rishi Kapoor gets nostalgic at book launch

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:25:10 +0530

Rishi Kapoor launched the book, 'An Evening in Lucknow', written by the late KA Abbas, comprising seventeen of his best known stories.

E-Book about Jullian Assange on sale

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:34:20 +0530

'Assange Agonistes' can be downloaded for $ 1.99 through Amazon.com's Kindle Single program.

Heathrow Airport gets writer-in-residence

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:04:14 +0530

British novelist Tony Parsons is gearing up to tell tales from the terminal, as he assumes the role of writer-in-residence at London's Heathrow Airport.

New Spider-Man is half-Latino

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:04:05 +0530

Marvel Comics revealed on Tuesday that the heir to the Spider-Man costume following the death of Peter Parker will be Miles Morales, a teenager of half-Hispanic and half-black origin who will protect New York from the bad guys starting Wednesday, when "Ultimate Comics Fallout #4" hits the magazine racks.

'Tigers Realm': tiger tails by Priyanka Gandhi

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:40:00 +0530

You have heard of Priyanka Gandhi the politician but have you ever heard of Priyanka Gandhi as a writer and photographer? Well she has authored a book expressing her love for wildlife and the tiger.

Marvel artist Kirby's heirs lose copyright claim

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:10:41 +0530

A federal judge ruled on Thursday that influential comic book artist Jack Kirby's creations such as the Fantastic Four and the Hulk belong to Marvel Entertainment, and not his heirs.

Lady GaGa collaborates on photo book

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:48:09 +0530

A photo book showing pop star Lady GaGa's life on the road and in the recording studio will be released this year, the book's publisher said on Thursday.

Prince Harry set to become comic book hero

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:10:04 +0530

Britain's Prince Harry can add comic book character to his list of accolades as a new comic based on his life is set to be released in August, publisher Bluewater Productions said on Thursday.

Moving beyond mere travellers' tales

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 03:09:27 +0530

The core of travel writing may not have changed much over the centuries, but an emerging breed of travel writers, both Indians and others, are bringing in a vital change - focussing more on people and less on places.

Crossword Book Award shortlist announced

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:40:51 +0530

The shortlists for the Vodafone Crossword Books Award was announced across five categories in New Delhi on Wednesday. The categories are: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Translations, Children's Books and Popular Choice. The last of these has been revamped, with the top 5 fiction and top 5 non-fiction bestsellers at Crossword stores across the country being shortlisted.

No Indian writers on Man Booker Prize longlist

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:17:11 +0530

The longlist for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction - the 'Man Booker Dozen' - is announced. The 13 books on the list include: one former Man Booker Prize winner; two previously shortlisted writers and one longlisted author; four first time novelists and three Canadian writers. The list also includes three new publishers to the prize - Oneworld, Sandstone Press and Seren Books.

High school girl accurately predicts exam papers: Book

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:59:06 +0530

'But Era Said', is a humour-laced account of the twists and turns Mumbai-based little girl Shreya Mathur's life witnesses when people discover her special ability.

God's an invention to suit society's needs: Arun Shourie

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:19:13 +0530

In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, Arun Shourie talks about his book 'Does He Know a Mother's Heart'.

Ex-Pentagon chief Robert Gates to author two books

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:14:19 +0530

ForThe memoir will look at the key events during Gates' tenure, including US strategy in Afghanistan.

Arun Shourie: Threshold of pain

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:25:48 +0530

Journalist-politician-writer Arun Shourie, recalls the trauma of bringing up his disabled son and taking care of his ailing wife in his new book.

Magic, vampires stir India's young adult literature

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:31:37 +0530

Till the late 1990s, the young adult readership was traditionally served by books imported from the West.

Comic book business gets serious in India

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:19:06 +0530

The comic book industry is expected to grow into a Rs.300-400 crore industry in the next decade.

Shekhar Kapur launches Rajal's 'Starstruck'

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:17:31 +0530

Sam Pitroda's daughter Rajal's book 'Starstruck' was released in the capital by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

'Breaking Dawn' and 'Dexter' kick off Comic-Con

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:01:14 +0530

Comic-Con 2011 will get off to a rousing start later this month, with vampires, werewolves and sword-swinging warriors dominating the agenda on the first full day of the convention.

'Last man in Tower' outlines contemporary Mumbai

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 02:15:25 +0530

Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga's latest book 'Last man in Tower' tells the story of contemporary Mumbai.

'Mills and Boon causes unwanted pregnancies'

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:33:59 +0530

Romantic novels like Mills and Boon are a danger to relationships and sexual health, a British medical journal has said.

Bollywood comes alive in fine print

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:34:51 +0530

Writings on Bollywood films and film stars is a new literary genre in making.

Writers unite for crime thriller 'No Rest For the Dead'

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:32:54 +0530

In In 26 authors with combined sales of millions of books have joined forces to write a thriller.

Spiderman creator eyes Chinese comic fans

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:05:26 +0530

Stan Lee wants to see the likes of Spiderman and the X-Men weaving between skyscrapers in Shanghai and battling enemies on the Great Wall.

Indian publishers get new top editors

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:00:42 +0530

Most of the major Indian publishing firms are seeing editorial changes at the top.

JK Rowling dumps her literary agent of 16 years

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:57:01 +0530

Harry Potter's creator JK Rowling has dumped her literary agent of 16 years, who's said to have single-handedly turned her famous novels into a multi-million -pound industry, a media report said.

Pakistani writer HM Naqvi to tour India

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:55:11 +0530

HM Naqvi, the Pakistan-based novelist whose book 'Home Boy' won the first DSC South Asian prize for literature, will tour Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai July 5-7 to promote awareness about contemporary South Asian literature.

British writer risks death in the afternoon

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:15 +0530

Fiske-Harrison's book 'Into the Arena' sets out to explain the world of the Spanish bullfight and to examine its moral dilemma.

'The 6 pm slot' highlights absurdity of Indian TV

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:57:47 +0530

Naomi Datta's debut novel takes an irreverent look at India's ratings-hungry television industry and gives insight into its inner workings

Graphic novel outlines raid to capture bin Laden

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:33:36 +0530

The daring secret mission to get Osama bin Laden by elite US forces will be told in the pages of a new graphic novel that aims to shed more light - with a bit of creative license - on the event.

Madonna's life story now a comic book

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:10:15 +0530

The star will have her life story told in 32 pages by Bluewater Productions Inc.

Pottermore.com: Harry's adventures now digitised

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:07:35 +0530

Author JK Rowling announced on Thursday that her seven Potter novels will be sold as ebooks October onwards.

JK Rowling to reveal secret of 'Pottermore'

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:22:35 +0530

Harry Potter fans are holding their collective breath as author JK Rowling gets set to reveal her latest project involving the boy wizard.

Pining for Loveswept novels? They're coming back

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:10:39 +0530

A romance imprint that helped started the careers of such writers as Janet Evanovich and Tami Hoag is being revived.

Marvel Comics to kill off 'Ultimate' Spiderman

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:32:57 +0530

The lights are going out for Peter Parker, the high school student bitten by a radioactive spider whose wall-crawling and web-slinging antics have made him a touchstone of Marvel Comics' universe of heroes and villains.

'First wife Najwa was Osama's only love match'

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:04:17 +0530

Najwa Bin Laden, slain Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's first wife, was his favourite because she was his only love match, says biographer Jean Sasson.

50 Cent writes anti-bullying book for teens

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:17:12 +0530

Rapper 50 Cent, who rose to fame with songs that told of drug use and violence, is aiming to steer teenagers away from schoolyard bullying with a book called 'Playground' that will reach stores in January, his publisher said on Monday.

Tennis great Jimmy Connors to write memoir

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:50:48 +0530

A memoir by brash US tennis player Jimmy Connors that promises to address his broken engagement to fellow tennis star Chris Evert as well as his rivalry with John McEnroe will be published in 2012, Harper Collins said on Monday.

Google to digitise 250000 British Library items

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:35:35 +0530

A Google deal with the British Library will enable free online access to over 250000 old documents.

Comic book to tell Martha Stewart's life story

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 11:51:38 +0530

Martha Stewart's media aspirations just got bigger: Meet Martha Stewart, comic-book heroine.

JK Rowling has mysterious new Potter website

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:46:08 +0530

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has launched a new website called "Pottermore", but fans of the boy wizard will have to wait to see what it entails as the entry page says simply "Coming Soon...".