History of Contemporary Indian English Poetry: An Appraisal. 2 volumes.

P C K Prem.
AuthorsPress, Q-2A Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi-110016 , India.
www.authorspressbooks.com
authorspressgroup@gmail.com
ISBN 978-93-89110-11-1 (Vol. I).
ISBN 978-93-89110-12-8 (Vol. II).
$ 150 and $ 125
Pages 740 and Pages 680.
Hard Covers.
R. K. Singh

Today there are more poets writing and publishing than readers. Everyone seems to be vying
with other in seeking prominence for themselves rather than for others who deserve to be read
patiently, explored deeply, and evaluated in a broader perspective. At such a time poet-
fictioneer-writer-critic Prem Katoch undertakes the challenging task of writing a History of
Contemporary Indian English Poetry. The 2-volume massive appraisal (740+680 pages) is a
record and criticism presented with no prejudice except an honest , authentic, and objective
appreciation of poets both in the centre and on the margin.

The pattern of presentation or the norms of inclusion of the poets is historically positive enough
to help future researchers and historians follow a balanced critical perspective than what we have
noticed so far. 
 
PCK Prem discusses the works of over 135 male and 50 female poets to highlight the
contemporary trends, the native poetic ethos, and the essential secular makeup of the Indian mind
as reflected in their works.
 
Prem's intuitive approach, "appraisal and analysis sans prejudices, specific and predetermined
notions from various perspectives take one to the conclusion that poetry defines and construes
life in totality".
 
Prem accords fresh life to some of the poets whose excellence has been ignored by the
mainstream academia professing expertise in Indian English Writing. I would like to mention in
particular Maha Nand Sharma, Rachakonda Narasimha Sarma, Srinivas Rangaswami, Keshav
Malik, R. Rabindranath Menon, D S Maini, H S Bhatia, VVB Ramarao, R C Shukla, S L Peeran,
T V Reddy, R K Bhushan, P K Joy, P Raja, Manas Bakshi, Kanwar Dinesh Singh etc.   I have,
however, reservations about certain names as critics, but Prem might not have had access to
works of others who have contributed as critics.
 
Kudos to PCK Prem for his large-hearted support and commitment to the cause of Indian English
Poetry. 
 
--Professor R K Singh