Honoured at a public function when he was a mere boy of eleven with the title 'Bharati' (one blessed by Saraswati the Goddess of Learning) C. Subramania Bharati (1882-1921) is renowned as the herald of the renaissance of Tamil literature. The simplicity and lyricism that marked his poetry reflect a clear shift in sensibility and craft from the classical tradition which had adhered to strictures of style, imagery and language for over 2000 years.

Ranging from the fiercely patriotic and the deeply romantic to the humbling intensity of devotion and the sharp criticism of self and society, this selection brings together poems that reflect the very essence of Bharati's broad philosophy.

Usha Rajagopalan's stellar translations echo the lyricism and transformative power that have lent Bharati's poetry their distinctive enduring quality.