Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Tamil is spoken today by approximately 80 million people…To attempt to give a comprehensive vision of the language within the compass of a brief book intended for nonspecialists might seem an impossible task. Yet Tamil: A Biography succeeds at this remarkably well…The book traces a chronological sequence from the prehistory of the language up to modern times. Shulman draws together a wealth of contemporary scholarship, but the perspective that commands the book is uniquely his, as is the authorial voice. Gently humorous, frequently lyrical, and wearing great learning very lightly, the book’s prose admirably summons up what it might be like to listen to a series of lectures by a gifted teacher.”―Whitney Cox, New York Review of Books
“The poet Bharathidasan declared that Tamil was born with the sun, the moon, the sky, the stars and the seas. Few would dare to attempt the biography of such a language. But when the world’s foremost Tamil scholar gives it his best shot one cannot but take notice. David Shulman does not disappoint; he dazzles us with his labor of love… Tamil: A Biography is both synthesis and interpretation, a must-read for anyone interested in the world’s great languages and literatures.”―A. R. Venkatachalapathy, The Hindu
“From the insider’s perspective, Shulman really scores while concluding that Tamil is more than a language, it is a body of knowledge―much of it intrinsic to an ancient culture and sensibility. It is a kind of grammar, not merely of the language in its spoken and written forms, but the creative potential of its speakers.”―M. D. Muthukumaraswamy, Times of India
“David Shulman, in his Tamil: A Biography, [writes] with élan, with unaffected erudition and an infectious charm that leaves the reader breathless and, at times, puzzled at how endearing the evolution of a language could turn out to be. There is no doubt that Shulman, the foremost Indologist from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is uniquely qualified to do this job given a lifetime of scholarship on south Indian literature and culture. His love for his subject comes alive on every page of the book, and yet this is not a stormy, tortured relationship; instead there is refinement and nuance, things not often seen in language discourse in India…Tamil: A Biography is a hugely rewarding book, and one that with repeated reading provides more food for thought.”―Veena Muthuraman, Quartz India
“[A] playful and supple ‘biography’ of Tamil language and poetics.”―Thomas Meaney, London Review of Books
“David Shulman’s book, Tamil: A Biography, is a tour de force. It is a must-read for all Indians, not just Tamils. The author takes us on a grand journey, starting from the ancient era of Irayanar Akapporul (which he cleverly calls “Grammar of Stolen Love”) through the golden Sangam age, the Bhakti era and the modern age starting with the rediscovery of Sangam literature in the late 19th century. It is filled with delightful vignettes about sages, poets, scholars and even Gods that many Tamil children hear of growing up. Almost every poem in the book strikes an emotional chord.”―Banuchandar Nagarajan, Swarajya
“Shulman’s Tamil: A Biography is a towering achievement in the field of cultural history and philology that is a compelling evolution of one of the oldest languages in the world from antiquity to modernity…Passionately and yet objectively written, the book is as much annals of the language as it is a thoroughly researched panegyric to it…You do not have to be Tamil to appreciate the significance of this book. In fact, it appears intended for anyone with an interest in the cultural history of the language…Shulman takes great pains to ensure that no reader is alienated by the context. Constant cross-references to other cultures are made, whether to the Hebrew Bible, Homeric poetry, Mozart’s music, Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, illuminating the development of the language through comparative philology. Tamil is situated in a global network of languages…Sublime and riveting, Tamil: A Biography proves that good linguistic and intellectual history can be written without resorting to either esotericism or jargonism.”―Kumuthan Maderya, PopMatters
“This fascinating book guides its reader through a cultural history of Tamil, a south Indian language spoken by eighty million people, from the early centuries BCE to the modern era…Offers the reader beautiful translations of, and interpretive strategies for, key passages from important texts…A great resource for scholars of religious, linguistic, and textual studies.”―Gardner Harris, Religious Studies Review
“Shulman is a priceless advocate of the language and its many masterpieces.”―Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly
“[Shulman] offers a comprehensive examination of the history and culture of Tamil, a language spoken by more than 80 million people.”―B. Tavakolian, Choice
“David Shulman’s Tamil is akin to a delightful and elevating musical composition. Spanning centuries and capturing minute details, this book reveals the inner energy of Tamil. Tamil is lucky to have such an erudite ‘biographer’ to tell its story.”―S. Ramakrishnan, editor of Cre-A: Dictionary of Contemporary Tamil
“David Shulman has raised an impressive monument to Tamil, written with erudition and wit. This ‘biography’ deals with much more than language―literature, culture, geography, history, all combine in praise of beauty and love.”―Tzvetan Todorov, National Center for Scientific Research, Paris
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars that is pretty much unknown to most of us
This remarkable book opens up for us a world, the religion and literature of southern India, that is pretty much unknown to most of us. There is fascinating interplay between the languages of this region and the Sanscrit language of northern India, the dominant cultural form. Tamil is utterly alien to Sanscrit, but both coexist and influence each other in the region. The wonderful poetry, much of it erotic, is beautifully translated and explicated by the author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tamil Language Review
All good!
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Exceptionally rigorous but dense
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Very good book, well written.
3.0 out of 5 stars I got this by mistake it seems well written but ...
I got this by mistake it seems well written but is for someone with a specific interest in Tamil and more interested in linguistics than I am
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Brilliant
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
outstanding!
1.0 out of 5 stars Regret buying it
Regret buying the book. Rolling Stones gather no moss. Professors are good in sementics, that’s all.If you want to read about Tamil read read Periyaval’s “ Voice of God “. How can appreciate Tamil without an ounce of Devotion ?. It’s a Devine Language. One cannot comment one the lives of fully realized Souls without realizing the deeper context of the incident. How can one ignore Ouwaiyar’ s contribution to Tamil, mere passing mention does not do justice.It was like trying to understand Islam ignoring Sufism.Tamil without spirituality & devotion is as good as dead, liked what has been happening in Tamil Nadu for the past three decades.
Excellent book, sympathetic to Tamil as Tamil speakers see ...
Excellent book, sympathetic to Tamil as Tamil speakers see it without losing objectivity . A must for anyone to understand the complexities of Tamil and the attitude of Tamil speakers to the language. The author has devoted a number of pages to Manipravalam , a language writing style in which Sanskrit words my be in varying degrees incorporated in Tamil texts , usually in Grantham lipi. This part is much needed. I also resonate with the author's view that for the last 100 years, there is an overemphasis on Sangam classics as the most important part of Tamil literary heritage , while many creative literature of the 12th to 19th centuries are neglected as if they don't exist or don't deserve appreciation. This has led to lopsided in Tamil literary and much else appreciation by Tamils. It is high time Tamil literary consciousness takes it's head buried in the sands of 'Golden age of Sangam tamil' to the present and future
தமிழ்
Excellent read
suprb
suprb
Made my top ten list OAT
WOW. This is quite a feat for any scholar.
Fantastick book
Well researched book. Brings out the real history of Tamils that they were the Mohanjadaro and Harrapa civilization.
Visit the Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press Store
Tamil: A Biography
AED24985
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Visit the Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press Store
Tamil: A Biography
AED24985
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Tamil is spoken today by approximately 80 million people…To attempt to give a comprehensive vision of the language within the compass of a brief book intended for nonspecialists might seem an impossible task. Yet Tamil: A Biography succeeds at this remarkably well…The book traces a chronological sequence from the prehistory of the language up to modern times. Shulman draws together a wealth of contemporary scholarship, but the perspective that commands the book is uniquely his, as is the authorial voice. Gently humorous, frequently lyrical, and wearing great learning very lightly, the book’s prose admirably summons up what it might be like to listen to a series of lectures by a gifted teacher.”―Whitney Cox, New York Review of Books
“The poet Bharathidasan declared that Tamil was born with the sun, the moon, the sky, the stars and the seas. Few would dare to attempt the biography of such a language. But when the world’s foremost Tamil scholar gives it his best shot one cannot but take notice. David Shulman does not disappoint; he dazzles us with his labor of love… Tamil: A Biography is both synthesis and interpretation, a must-read for anyone interested in the world’s great languages and literatures.”―A. R. Venkatachalapathy, The Hindu
“From the insider’s perspective, Shulman really scores while concluding that Tamil is more than a language, it is a body of knowledge―much of it intrinsic to an ancient culture and sensibility. It is a kind of grammar, not merely of the language in its spoken and written forms, but the creative potential of its speakers.”―M. D. Muthukumaraswamy, Times of India
“David Shulman, in his Tamil: A Biography, [writes] with élan, with unaffected erudition and an infectious charm that leaves the reader breathless and, at times, puzzled at how endearing the evolution of a language could turn out to be. There is no doubt that Shulman, the foremost Indologist from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, is uniquely qualified to do this job given a lifetime of scholarship on south Indian literature and culture. His love for his subject comes alive on every page of the book, and yet this is not a stormy, tortured relationship; instead there is refinement and nuance, things not often seen in language discourse in India…Tamil: A Biography is a hugely rewarding book, and one that with repeated reading provides more food for thought.”―Veena Muthuraman, Quartz India
“[A] playful and supple ‘biography’ of Tamil language and poetics.”―Thomas Meaney, London Review of Books
“David Shulman’s book, Tamil: A Biography, is a tour de force. It is a must-read for all Indians, not just Tamils. The author takes us on a grand journey, starting from the ancient era of Irayanar Akapporul (which he cleverly calls “Grammar of Stolen Love”) through the golden Sangam age, the Bhakti era and the modern age starting with the rediscovery of Sangam literature in the late 19th century. It is filled with delightful vignettes about sages, poets, scholars and even Gods that many Tamil children hear of growing up. Almost every poem in the book strikes an emotional chord.”―Banuchandar Nagarajan, Swarajya
“Shulman’s Tamil: A Biography is a towering achievement in the field of cultural history and philology that is a compelling evolution of one of the oldest languages in the world from antiquity to modernity…Passionately and yet objectively written, the book is as much annals of the language as it is a thoroughly researched panegyric to it…You do not have to be Tamil to appreciate the significance of this book. In fact, it appears intended for anyone with an interest in the cultural history of the language…Shulman takes great pains to ensure that no reader is alienated by the context. Constant cross-references to other cultures are made, whether to the Hebrew Bible, Homeric poetry, Mozart’s music, Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, illuminating the development of the language through comparative philology. Tamil is situated in a global network of languages…Sublime and riveting, Tamil: A Biography proves that good linguistic and intellectual history can be written without resorting to either esotericism or jargonism.”―Kumuthan Maderya, PopMatters
“This fascinating book guides its reader through a cultural history of Tamil, a south Indian language spoken by eighty million people, from the early centuries BCE to the modern era…Offers the reader beautiful translations of, and interpretive strategies for, key passages from important texts…A great resource for scholars of religious, linguistic, and textual studies.”―Gardner Harris, Religious Studies Review
“Shulman is a priceless advocate of the language and its many masterpieces.”―Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly
“[Shulman] offers a comprehensive examination of the history and culture of Tamil, a language spoken by more than 80 million people.”―B. Tavakolian, Choice
“David Shulman’s Tamil is akin to a delightful and elevating musical composition. Spanning centuries and capturing minute details, this book reveals the inner energy of Tamil. Tamil is lucky to have such an erudite ‘biographer’ to tell its story.”―S. Ramakrishnan, editor of Cre-A: Dictionary of Contemporary Tamil
“David Shulman has raised an impressive monument to Tamil, written with erudition and wit. This ‘biography’ deals with much more than language―literature, culture, geography, history, all combine in praise of beauty and love.”―Tzvetan Todorov, National Center for Scientific Research, Paris
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars that is pretty much unknown to most of us
This remarkable book opens up for us a world, the religion and literature of southern India, that is pretty much unknown to most of us. There is fascinating interplay between the languages of this region and the Sanscrit language of northern India, the dominant cultural form. Tamil is utterly alien to Sanscrit, but both coexist and influence each other in the region. The wonderful poetry, much of it erotic, is beautifully translated and explicated by the author.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Tamil Language Review
All good!
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Exceptionally rigorous but dense
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Very good book, well written.
3.0 out of 5 stars I got this by mistake it seems well written but ...
I got this by mistake it seems well written but is for someone with a specific interest in Tamil and more interested in linguistics than I am
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Brilliant
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
outstanding!
1.0 out of 5 stars Regret buying it
Regret buying the book. Rolling Stones gather no moss. Professors are good in sementics, that’s all.If you want to read about Tamil read read Periyaval’s “ Voice of God “. How can appreciate Tamil without an ounce of Devotion ?. It’s a Devine Language. One cannot comment one the lives of fully realized Souls without realizing the deeper context of the incident. How can one ignore Ouwaiyar’ s contribution to Tamil, mere passing mention does not do justice.It was like trying to understand Islam ignoring Sufism.Tamil without spirituality & devotion is as good as dead, liked what has been happening in Tamil Nadu for the past three decades.
Excellent book, sympathetic to Tamil as Tamil speakers see ...
Excellent book, sympathetic to Tamil as Tamil speakers see it without losing objectivity . A must for anyone to understand the complexities of Tamil and the attitude of Tamil speakers to the language. The author has devoted a number of pages to Manipravalam , a language writing style in which Sanskrit words my be in varying degrees incorporated in Tamil texts , usually in Grantham lipi. This part is much needed. I also resonate with the author's view that for the last 100 years, there is an overemphasis on Sangam classics as the most important part of Tamil literary heritage , while many creative literature of the 12th to 19th centuries are neglected as if they don't exist or don't deserve appreciation. This has led to lopsided in Tamil literary and much else appreciation by Tamils. It is high time Tamil literary consciousness takes it's head buried in the sands of 'Golden age of Sangam tamil' to the present and future
தமிழ்
Excellent read
suprb
suprb
Made my top ten list OAT
WOW. This is quite a feat for any scholar.
Fantastick book
Well researched book. Brings out the real history of Tamils that they were the Mohanjadaro and Harrapa civilization.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Indian”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0674059921