|
Book Review
TAMIL
Literary essays
PKR
ILAKKIYAMUM KOTPAADUKALUM ‘MELUM’ KATTURAIKAL: Compiled by ‘Kavya’ A. Shanmugasundaram; Kavya, 16, 2nd Cross Street, Trustpuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai-600024. Rs. 350.
THIS IS a collection of essays on literature and literary theories published in ‘Melum’, a Tirunelveli-based literary quarterly brought out by Naa Sivasubramaniyan, otherwise called ‘Sivasu.’
Written on different occasions, the essays deal with poetry, novels, short stories, literary concepts, and issues of public concern.
As is known, there was a wide gap between creative writers and professional teachers-cum-researchers before 1970. During 1970-2000, this gap was considerably narrowed by the vigorous effort of young scholars, despite lack of support from the academic establishment. No big hiatus is seen between the two now. In a sense, this book can be said to trace the history of literary studies in Tamil.The essays are presented in four parts.
The first part, which comprises 14 papers, deals with poetry, from Sangam to contemporary works, like the ones by Bharatidasan, for example.
The second part is devoted to novels and short stories which appear to have been selected at random.
The 27 essays in the third part reflect a deep understanding of comparative literature, while the fourth discusses issues of general interest related to literature, art and so on.
Tamil literary studies owe it to the groups of scholars, such as the ‘Melum circle’, for the remarkable changes that have taken place over the past three or four decades. ‘Kavya’ Shanmugasundaram, a well-known scholar, deserves commendation for his effort in putting select works of this group together.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
|
