Rabindranath Tagore and James Henry Cousins: A Conversation in Letters, 1915-1940

Rabindranath Tagore and James Henry Cousins' letters explore their shared ideas of culture, art, aesthetics, and education in India, Irish Orientalism, Irish literary revival, theosophy, eastern knowledge, spiritualism, cross-cultural dialogue, friendship, Renaissance in India, anti-imperialism, nationalism, internationalism, and cosmopolitanism. This book is essential for scholars and researchers of Indian literature, Bengali literature, comparative literature, South Asian studies, Tagore studies, modern Indian history, philosophy, cultural studies, education, political studies, postcolonial studies, India studies, Irish history, and Irish literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book presents a collection of original letters exchanged between Rabindranath Tagore, the esteemed first Asian recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the renowned Irish poet and theosophist, James Henry Cousins. Through these epistolary exchanges, the volume delves into a rich tapestry of shared ideas, encompassing culture, art, aesthetics, and education in India; the intricacies of Irish Orientalism; the resurgence of Irish literature; the profound exploration of theosophy, Eastern knowledge, and spiritualism; the exchange of cross-cultural perspectives and friendships; the Renaissance in India; the fervent advocacy of anti-imperialism, nationalism, internationalism, and cosmopolitanism. What makes this book truly remarkable is its unveiling of a previously unexplored dimension concerning two influential thinkers in the annals of intellectual history within a transnational context.

The text is presented in a clear and concise manner, with extensive annotations providing valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts of the letters. An insightful Introduction further enhances the reader's understanding of the significance of this literary treasure. This book is a must-read for scholars and researchers in the fields of Indian literature, Bengali literature, comparative literature, South Asian studies, Tagore studies, modern Indian history, philosophy, cultural studies, education, political studies, postcolonial studies, India studies, Irish history, and Irish literature. It will also captivate the interest of general readers and the Bengali diaspora.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound exploration of the minds and ideas of two visionary thinkers, shedding light on their shared vision for a more inclusive and interconnected world. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, enriching our understanding of the rich tapestry of intellectual heritage and promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367676506