Autobiographical writing in Hindi is a personal and intimate genre that rewards both the Hindi reader and the learner of the language. Each author paints a unique picture of life in India - and indeed of life in general; many of the fifty-one extracts given in this book are by professional writers, but we also meet painters, poets, patriots, politicians, musicians, academics, a station-master and a prisoner on death row. There is joy here, and much laughter; but also pain, unease, and torment. Reader beware An introduction on language and style begins the book, frequently referencing the original texts that follow; each Hindi excerpt has a two-page introduction in English and a detailed facing-page glossary-cum-commentary for those who need it.