The Penitence of Nasooh

This volume presents translations of two Urdu works. Of these, The Penitence of Nasooh is a translation of the Urdu novel Taubatun Nasooh, by 'Deputy' or Maulvi Nazir Ahmad. In the story, Nasooh, the central character, is born again through a dream during a serious illness. As he recovers he thinks about reforming his family, whose morals and education he had neglected, and who have become worldly and undisciplined as a result. Nasooh has an immediate success with his wife and younger children, but his two eldest progeny defy their father. 

This work with its sparkling dialogue testifies to a mind that, despite its strict moral and religious moorings, is nimble and intelligent. Taubatun Nasooh won an award from the then British government of India and is recognized as a classic of Urdu Literature.

The second book in this volume is a charming and witty account of Nazir Ahmad, as seen through the eyes of his young student, Mirza Farhatullah Baig.