On the Self

Oxford University Press, Rs 795

A lively study of the evolution of 8220;the Press8221;, as the Oxford University Press has often been fondly called, from 1880 to 1947, and its transformation from a publisher of primarily religious books to an institution focused on portraying and interpreting eastern civilisations for a growing readership back home in the West.

Women in the Indian National Movement

SURUCHI THAPAR-BJORKERT Sage, Rs 375

A long overdue attempt to bridge the gap between biographies of the Sarojini Naidus and Sucheta Kri-planis and the masses of Indian women inspired to participate in the national movement by Mahatma Gandhi. Thapar-Bjorkert has compiled voices of the little women who participated in that struggle be-tween 1930 and 1942.

The Battle of Dograi 038; Batapore

DESMOND E. HAYDE Natraj, Rs 295

A revisit to the key battles fought in the vicinity of Lahore in 1965. A story of how 523 gallant Indian soldiers took on and won over a vastly superior de-fending force.

Ludmilla8217;s Broken English

D.B.C. PIERRE Faber and Faber, pound; 6.50

The book after his Booker prize-winning Vernon God Little, to which it will inevitably be compared. Sadly, the irreverent lilt and the heart-warming candour are missing, and turning the pages is a bit of a chore. Didn8217;t somebody say the second book is always the toughest?

Driving Holidays in Ladakh

KOKO SINGH Rupa, Rs 395

A highly recommended companion on an actual journey, but also for long hours on the armchair. Has all the trivia to inspire a spell of planning. But here8217;s a reality check: the author says it would be worthwhile to get in shape before making the trip.