Long neglected in academic discourse in India, family photographs make a silent contribution to the histories of photography, marginality and the family. In this volume, the writers dwell on the importance of family photographs and their visual omnipresence in our daily lives.
They point out how family photographs have belonged to the ‘vernacular’ material of visual culture, more seen and lived with, less written and consciously thought about. Attempting to retrieve family photographs from a space of neglect, this volume demonstrates how they are fundamental to the microhistories of a nation and its many societies, and suggests the importance of such counterarguments to the dominant strains in an emerging discursive space.
The essays do not offer a comprehensive survey of all types of family photographs in India. Instead, they present focused insights into chosen areas of interest on the part of the writers. Collectively, they embrace the intersectionalities of gender, caste, class and regional trajectories, making the politics of representation even more layered with contestations between the historical, oral and affective memorialisation surrounding family archives and photographs. These concerns centrally inform the essays, as they accept and negotiate a terrain shared by all types of narrativisation.
In late eighteenth century India, an obscure king who ruled over Huseypur in northwest Bihar, challenged the might of the British. When overpowered by the East India Company forces, he escaped into the jungles of Gorakhpur, raised a people’s army and fought a guerilla war against them for nearly thirty years. Beaten many times, he always bounced back and did not surrender ever.
He was Maharaja Fateh Bahadur Sahi.
A warrior, patriot and innovator, Sahi visualised the dangers of impending imperialism and rose to meet the challenge. He devised new war logistics and resorted to guerilla warfare, including ascetics, destitute and bandits in his unique army. This happened years before the Indian Revolt of 1857 and the revolutions in America and France.
Mainstream history is yet to look at him, but in the middle-Ganga valley, Sahi is remembered as a folk hero and a people’s king.
This work is an effort to unravel Sahi’s unusual life. How did he operate and survive for so long? Could he be considered the progenitor of India’s first war of independence? The Raja, the Rebel and the Monk attempts to answer.
Bud Bab’s drum is broken. Who will wake the village early every morning during Ramzan?
About the Hook Book Series
In a world where children’s books often feel cut from the same cloth, Hook Books stand out as a vibrant blend of imagination, humour, and heart. Crafted as a bridge between picture books and early chapter books, this series delivers stories that spark joy and wonder, while remaining rooted in age-appropriate learning.
Hook Books keep the fun going with:
- Short, digestible bits of text (perfect for budding readers)
- Bright colour illustrations that pull kids into the story
- Themes that speak to the everyday lives of children—plus a sprinkle of whimsy!
From fantasy tales to those that touch on more advanced ideas, Hook Books ensure that young readers are always in for a treat, no matter their reading level. Even better, these books take children on journeys through different parts of India, giving them a taste of the rich diversity of our world through local flavours, landscapes, and cultures. Whether the story takes place in bustling cities or quiet villages, Hook Books make every setting feel like home.
Aneingu is going to wrestle for the first time. Can Areiü make sure nothing goes wrong for him?
About the Hook Book Series
In a world where children’s books often feel cut from the same cloth, Hook Books stand out as a vibrant blend of imagination, humour, and heart. Crafted as a bridge between picture books and early chapter books, this series delivers stories that spark joy and wonder, while remaining rooted in age-appropriate learning.
Hook Books keep the fun going with:
- Short, digestible bits of text (perfect for budding readers)
- Bright colour illustrations that pull kids into the story
- Themes that speak to the everyday lives of children—plus a sprinkle of whimsy!
From fantasy tales to those that touch on more advanced ideas, Hook Books ensure that young readers are always in for a treat, no matter their reading level. Even better, these books take children on journeys through different parts of India, giving them a taste of the rich diversity of our world through local flavours, landscapes, and cultures. Whether the story takes place in bustling cities or quiet villages, Hook Books make every setting feel like home.
The long awaited sequel to the international best-seller, I Love You to the Moon and Back, now in a chunky board book format, with a beautiful and reassuring text, and stunning illustrations from Tim Warnes.
With familiar and lovable bear characters and sturdy pages that are easy for little hands to turn, I Love You Forever and a Day is a heartfelt celebration of each moment of love and laughter shared by a parent and child.
A tender and warm portrayal of unconditional love – perfect to share with little ones night and day. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You and While We Can’t Hug.
You’re the centre of our stories
and the lullabies we sing.
You have changed this world forever.
You are my everything.
Following a parent and child elephant on their annual migration to join the herd, this joyful story celebrates all the ways in which a child is “everything” to their parent, their child and their community.
With an evocative and lyrical text from Kelly Conroy and beautiful illustrations of the natural world from Abigail Hookham, You Are My Everything is the perfect way for parents and families to say “I love you” to little ones. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You and On the Night You Were Born.
Aa is for all of us –
be everybody’s friend.
Bb is for believing –
things will work out in the end!
An adorable board book from the bestselling Kind Hearts series.
This cute board celebrates all the ways in which we can be kind to one another – from A to Z! Sweet illustrations by Summer Macon are paired with charming rhyming text by Patricia Hegarty to champion values of kindness and inclusivity. This book invites little readers to engage with the alphabet while they watch a gorgeous group of animal friends practise being kind and caring! With chunky pages and soothing pastel colours, this is the perfect bedtime book. A delicate first-concepts book that introduces little ones to the alphabet while exploring the importance of kindness.
Show your dad your appreciation with this charming gift book, featuring adorable artwork from Sophie Beer. Heartwarming rhyming text celebrates the wonderful things dads do and is perfect for sharing with your amazing dad!
The ideal present for Father’s Day!
Show your mum your appreciation with this charming gift book, featuring adorable artwork from Sophie Beer. Heartwarming rhyming text celebrates the wonderful things mums do and is perfect for sharing with your amazing mum!
The ideal present for Mother’s Day!
You’re my little ladybird,
You brighten up my day.
With rosy cheeks, you smile at me,
And chase my blues away.
Snuggle up with your little cuddle bug to enjoy this sweet and colourful rhyming board book! With chunky pages for small hands and die-cut parent and baby characters, this is the perfect bedtime read.
International Bestselling Series
Show your little one just how much they mean to you with this gorgeous, engaging board book! Meet Cuddle Bug, the adorable bug who is loved by children around the world. The first book in this bestselling series, You’re My Little Cuddle Bug pairs sweet illustrations by Natalie Marshall with gentle rhyming text by Nicola Edwards to capture the love between a parent and child. With tactile pages, heartwarming text, peek-through holes and lively artwork, this is a great book to read together at bedtime or anytime!
