Masterpieces of Urdu Nazm

The ghazal tends to dominate conversations about Urdu poetry, but the nazm has its own distinct shape and ambition. This collection gathers English translations of 42 nazms by 19 poets, from Mir Taqi Mir and Nazir Akbarabadi through to Iqbal, Faiz and Sahir, arranged in chronological order so the form's development can be traced across generations. Each poet is introduced with a portrait and a short biographical-critical note, while an opening introduction sets out what defines a nazm and how it differs from the ghazal as an art form. A considered way into a lesser-known corner of Urdu literary tradition.