My Remininscenes

My Reminiscences (1917) is a memoir by Rabindranath Tagore. Published after Tagore received the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature, My Reminiscences contains personal reflections on the author’s youth, education, and introduction to the art of poetry. Originally published in Bengali, My Reminiscences was written by Tagore in his fiftieth year, as he prepared to embark on a journey around the world. I know not who paints the pictures on memory’s canvas; but whoever he may be, what he is painting are pictures; by which I mean that he is not there with his brush simply to make a faithful copy of all that is happening. He takes in and leaves out according to his taste. […] In short he is painting pictures, and not writing history. In this collection of memories, Tagore is at his philosophical, poetic best, reflecting earnestly and with ease on matters public and private. Looking back on a life at the center of Indian culture, Tagore moves fluidly and fluently from youth to young adulthood, recalling family, friends, servants, and strangers with clarity and curiosity. Afloat in his houseboat, lying on a rooftop at night, or exploring the outer limits of his mind, Tagore shares his insight with us all. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Rabindranath Tagore’s My Reminiscences is a classic of Indian literature reimagined for modern readers.