World of Tamil Word
Nirmala Sitharaman
THE PROVINCE OF THE BOOK: SCHOLARS, SCRIBES AND SCRIBBLERS IN COLONIAL TAMIL NADU by A.R. Venkatachalapathy Permanent Black, 2012, 292 pp., 795
August 2012, volume 36, No 8

The birth of the Tamil Book, if it indeed can be narrated, it is here and comprehensively done at that, by Venkata-chalapathy. Backed by meticulous research, at times with finer details verging on the fastidious, the writer has done a yeoman service to the world of the Tamil word. The author’s interest in history and literature, peppered by his curiosity about evolving technology, wrapped with the colourful sheaths of reading practices and tied up with an analysis of patronage and policing of the printed word are offered here.

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