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Ten classic stories from the master of Hindi literature. Nearly a century after they were written, Premchand’s numerous short stories, novels and plays, written both in Hindi and Urdu, continue to be a mirror to Indian society and its traditions. A winter’s Night and Other Stories brings together, for young readers, some of his most powerful short stories. This is a world inhabited by people like Halku, forced to spend the bitterly cold winter night in the open, without a blanket; Kaki, the old invalid aunt, ill-treated by her own relatives; and Shankar, reduced to being a bonded labor for the sake of a handful of wheat. Premchand describes their plights with unflinching honesty. Yet all is not hopeless in this world. There is also little Hamid, who buys tongs for his old grandmother rather than toys for himself; Ladli, who saves her share of puris for her blind aunt; and Big Brother, trying in vain to remember the strange names of English kings and queens. Greed, dishonesty, cruelty abound in this world, as do kindness, bravery and humor. These ten stories are an ideal introduction to Premchand and his concerns and ideas that remain relevant to this day.\nA Children’s Bookshelf Selection: Each month our editor’s pick the best books for children and young adults by age to be a part of the children’s bookshelf. These are editorial recommendations made by our team of experts. Our monthly reading list includes a mix of bestsellers and top new releases and evergreen books that will help enhance a child’s reading life.
Munshi Premchand (1880?1936), born as Dhanpat Rai Srivastav, was a prominent Indian writer, known as ""Upanyas Samrat"" (Emperor of Novels) in Hindi literature. Born on July 31, 1880, in Lamhi village near Varanasi, he made significant contributions to early 20th-century literature. He adopted the pen name Nawab Rai initially, later changing it to Munshi Premchand. As a versatile writer, he authored approximately a dozen novels, 250 short stories, essays, and translations, impacting both Hindi and Urdu literature. Premchand's early life was marked by hardships, and he found solace in books after the death of his mother. His literary journey began in Urdu, and he later transitioned to Hindi. Premchand faced personal challenges, including the death of his first wife and subsequent remarriage to a young widow named Shivarani Devi. He became a father of two sons?Shripat Rai and Amrit Rai. Despite social opposition, he continued to write about societal issues, particularly highlighting the plight of women. His career included government jobs, teaching positions, and eventually a move to focus on literary pursuits in Varanasi. Premchand's notable works include novels like ""Seva Sadan,"" ""Nirmala,"" ""Gaban,"" and the celebrated ""Godan."" His stories, often reflecting social realism, resonated with common people due to their simple yet engaging style. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles, Premchand resigned from his government job during the non-cooperation movement. His later life involved financial difficulties, an unsuccessful stint in the Hindi film industry, and health issues. He served as the first President of the Progressive Writers' Association in Lucknow in 1936. Premchand's writing style combined proverbs and idioms, reflecting the language of the common man. He remained rooted in the village setting and addressed social issues with a keen understanding of rural life. His stories and novels continue to be revered for their timeless relevance. Premchand passed away on October 8, 1936, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that includes classics such as ""Idgah,"" ""Bade Bhai Sahab,"" ""Kafan,"" and the unfinished novel ""Mangalsootra."" His impact on Hindi literature remains unparalleled, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied.
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