Raga Mala (book)


Raga Mala is an autobiographic work by Indian classical musician Ravi Shankar, published in 1997 as a hand-bound, limited edition book by Genesis Publications. The initial print run was limited to 2000 signed and individually numbered copies, with a foreword by George Harrison, who also served as Shankar's editor. In addition, Oliver Craske was credited with providing "additional narrative".
In May 1998, American music magazine Billboard announced the release there of a boxed deluxe edition of the book, which included two CDs of music and a packet of incense.
The book was Shankar's second autobiography, after the 1968 publication of My Music, My Life. Following its original edition, Raga Mala was issued in mass-market format by New York publishers Welcome Rain in September 1999.

Reception

Reviewing the Welcome Rain edition in November 1999, Kirkus Reviews commented that "the most lyrical and introspective pages of his autobiography are reserved for his wife, Sukanya, and his daughter and musical disciple, Anoushka", and concluded of the book: "Unpretentious and spiritually illuminating as Shankar's music." Writing for Soundchecks, Amy Harlib considered Raga Mala a "surprisingly frank account" and described the author's style in the following terms: "a blend of charm and candour; dignity and humility; spiritual depth and sparkling sense of humour; and a never-ending thirst for knowledge, exploration and growth."
Billboard reviewer Bradley Bambarger wrote that "In many ways, the story of Ravi Shankar is the story of Indian culture in the West", and added: "he is also one of the most inspiring composer/performers of the 20th century – a fact reinforced by his breathtaking autobiography …" In Rough Guides' World Music volume, Ken Hunt describes Raga Mala as "highly recommended".