Lahore Tales Without End

The idea of a book on Lahore is hardly new. A number of books have been written on this wonderful city that has seen the ebb and flow of time through the centuries. But, there is a need for many more. For Lahore remains a virtually inexhaustible treasure of stories that inspire, instruct and entertain. Majid Sheikh in his writings on the people, places and events that constitute Lahore's history brings out its exuberance as well as its pathos. Over times it has been laid waste by waves of invaders and by bouts of famine but has bounced back each time with its zest for life undiminished. Perhaps, it is to this distinguishing trait that its denizens point to when they say Lahore Lahore ai. Today when the city can no longer call the Ravi its own and is beset with mindless development, and qabza groups as well as grinding poverty in its midst, that spirit is much needed. But, what strikes one most in reading the book is the historical plurality of culture, religion and ethnicity that gave Lahore its particular tone and style. And it is perhaps this that helps Lahore retain that very special place not only in the hearts and minds of those who live here or elsewhere in Pakistan but throughout the subcontinent and beyond.