Oxford University Press (OUP) has published five new Urdu books. Mera Afsana — AapBiti MullaWahidi Mera Afsana is the autobiography of the well-known author, publisher, and journalist Mulla Wahidi. He wrote his autobiography especially for his progeny because he felt that children should know about their forefathers. Details of his family, friends, and other notable personalities of Delhi are present in this book. Moreover, in his autobiography, MullaWahidi has also shared his personal experiences and his long journalistic and literary career. Hum Loag Fahmida Riaz This collection comprises three novels by Fahmida Riaz: Godavari, ZindaBahar Lane, and Karachi. These stories deal with the nature of political violence in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The novels are partly based on the author’s experience of exile in alien lands and about the internal exile that she underwent in her own land when her political beliefs and sensibilities made her unacceptable for an authoritarian regime. Koozah — Naye Likharion ki Kaavishon ka Intikhab Selected and introduced by Zahra Sabri This is a compilation of 40 short stories by new writers. They were selected from stories contributed by almost 650 writers for a short story writing competition (Urdu KahaniMuqabla) arranged by Oxford University Press Pakistan. Those who took part in the competition hailed not just from Pakistan but from all countries where Urdu speakers and readers are present. There is great variety of theme in these stories, and the collection can be a useful and interesting item in school libraries for students of Urdu. Andaz-e-Bayan Aur Jameel Akhtar This is a comprehensive, first full-length interview of the leading Urdu novelist, QurratulainHyder that unfailingly highlights her lesser known biographical details and creative aspects. It is an intimate and free-wheeling extended dialogue between two writers, a kind of literary disquisition that is rare in Urdu, and no writer can vie with Jameel Akhtar on this count. No other book explores this well-known author’s work in such detail. This is an important and insightful view of QurratulainHyder’s life and work. Dilli ki Khawateen ki Kahawatayn aur Muhawaray ShaistaSuhrawardyIkramullah This is a book recording the peculiar feminine proverbs and idioms of the ladies of Delhi, the cultural capital of Urdu. Had they not been documented, these would have passed into oblivion. Begum Ikramullah lived in Delhi at a time when the zenana idiom was still prevalent. The Preface displays great linguistic insight and the Glossary, painstakingly prepared, is most authentic. Published in Daily Times, March 2nd 2018.