Maupassant And a Cigar: An Intimate Biography of Pudumaipithan

Book Details:

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Tho Mu Si Ragunathan

• Language: English

• Binding: Flexibound

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9788119626779

• Pages: 188

• Release Date: 15-12-2024

About the Book:

Pudumaipithan: The Life of a Literary Giant is a vivid and authentic biography of Pudumaipithan (1906–1948), one of Tamil literature's most iconic short story writers. Regarded as the pioneer of literary modernism in Tamil, Pudumaipithan revolutionized the language’s prose, capturing the lives, struggles, and emotions of both subaltern urban and rural characters with a modern sensibility that had not been seen before. This biography, written immediately after Pudumaipithan’s death by someone very close to him, remains the most definitive and insightful account of his life.

This translation, by Peer Mohamed Azees, retains the conversational and quirkily structured style of the original text. It offers readers an intimate portrait of Pudumaipithan, not just as a writer, but as a complex individual — someone fiercely independent, skeptical of ideological hypocrisy, and deeply attached to his own unique habits and principles, such as his well-known addiction to betel leaves. The biography explores his brilliance, his refusal to compromise, and his profound influence on Tamil literature.

About the Author: Tho Mu Si Ragunathan (1923–2001), a Tamil writer, journalist, and literary critic, was not only a prolific author but also an influential figure in Tamil literary circles. Known for his critical and progressive viewpoints, he contributed significantly to the growth of Tamil literature. His works and translations, including many from Russian literature, garnered him numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award. His deep connection with Pudumaipithan is evident in this biography, which serves as both a tribute to a literary legend and a reflection on Ragunathan's own rich literary career.