Calcutta by Simon Winchester

Calcutta by Simon Winchester

Best-selling writer Simon Winchester explores his love-hate relationship with Calcutta, a city that provokes intense reactions in all who visit. Collaborating with his son Rupert, Winchester muses on his time spent in Calcutta, reflecting on his experiences, preconceptions and fascination with the city.

The Winchesters' personal essays are presented with a selection of wide-ranging extracts penned by other visitors to this surprising city. The result is a personal view of one of the world's most resonant destinations that also acts as an essential introduction to the wealth of writing on the subject. Extracts are by VS Naipaul, Paul Theroux, Rudyard Kipling, Geoffrey Moorhouse, Rabindranath Tagore, NC Chaudhuri, Gunter Grass, Dominique Lapierre, James Morris, Mark Twain and Vikram Seth.

"Simon Winchester's Calcutta" provides a rare insight into the inspiration writers gain from their love for a special place.