Sur-Saravali (1957) :: rare & out-of-print

For those interested in the rich tradition of Indian mysticism and medieval poetry, we are pleased to offer an extremely rare First Edition featuring the Sur–saravali, an epic verse of the springtime Holi festival by the legendary medieval Indian saint–poet Surdas.

First published in 1957 by the doyen of Braj-bhasha literature Prabhudayal Mittal, this book is particularly rare since it was never reprinted. This landmark publication was received with great acclaim in the world of ancient Oriental literature, and it was even reviewed in the Archiv Orientální journal in 1962 by the great Indologist Vladimir Miltner (who was born in Czechoslovakia in 1933 and died in Mathura in 1997) as follows: 

"... Surdas was the most prominent poet of the so-called astachap (literally eight seals), eight poets whose poetical activities laid the foundations of the splendid development of Braj-bhasa and its literature ... The present edition of the Sur-saravali is the first separate edition of this work. In the introduction (pp. 1-64), the author treats of the manuscripts and older editions, analyses and compares them, proves the authorship of Surdas, quotes many passages identical with the Sur-sagar, and finally shows us the purpose to which Surdas wrote this work – the Sur-saravali was intended as a Holi festival song. ...". 

Several images of this precious First Edition are attached herewith for the perusal of those interested.

SUR–SARAVALI

Edited & Compiled with an introduction by: Prabhudayal Mittal

Publisher: Agrawal Press (Sahitya Sansthan), Mathura, 1957 AD (Vikram Samvat year 2014) — Extremely Rare & Out-of-Print First Edition

Language: Hindi & Braj-bhasha

Format: Hardcover. Professionally bound in green Rexine with the title debossed in golden lettering on the front cover and on the spine.

Dimensions: 22 cm x 13.7 cm

Pages: viii + 64 + 92 pages + 1 colour plate. Total number of pages = 165.

Condition: Pre-Owned. Near Pristine. Pages clean & unmarked. Binding firm and tight. Slight, natural yellowing/foxing of some pages owing to age.

Remarks: This First Edition is exceedingly rare and elusive; it is extremely hard to find, let alone in such exemplary condition as the one we are offering.

Please email us on kumarclassicbookpoint@gmail.com for cost and availability, or for any further queries in order to serve you better. Delivery in Mumbai is free.

Swami (ft. Girish Karnad) :: rare vintage poster

In memory of the veteran playwright-actor Girish Karnad, who passed away yesterday (10 June 2019), we are pleased to offer a rare & unique vintage cinema poster of unusual artistic merit featuring the late cultural icon. The colour scheme of this poster is reminiscent of the Basholi school and it is a striking example of the imaginative flair of poster artist Diwakar.

Sourced from a very well-maintained collection, this poster is in excellent condition. The details are mentioned below and an image is attached herewith for the perusal of those interested.

SWAMI

Year of release: 1977

Director: Basu Chatterjee
Poster art by: Diwakar
Actors featured in the poster: Girish Karnad & Shabana Azmi
Medium: Printed paper poster (not framed).
Size: 30 inches x 40 inches [2.5 feet x 3.3 feet].
Condition: Excellent. Intact with no tears.

Remarks: This is a highly rare and hard to find poster, especially in such excellent condition as the one we are offering. The poster will be rolled and packed in a high-quality cylindrical tube for safe delivery.

Please email us on kumarclassicbookpoint@gmail.com for cost and availability, or for any further queries in order to serve you better. Delivery in Mumbai is free.