An enchanting history

The best way to relate history is to tell a good story, and choose an interesting subject. And with Jaadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns, journalist and author John Zubrzycki seems to have achieved both with his latest book on India’s colourful history of magic — a diverse platter composed of street magicians, snake charmers, sword swallowers, sleight-of-hand artists, acrobats, jugglers, and supernatural influences, not to forget famed exponents of the famous Indian Rope Trick. Zubrzycki’s book is wellresearched, abounds with stories with why legend came to be and what role magic played in daily life throughout the last millennium. It is an essential read for all history lovers.

Title: Jaadoowallahs, Jugglers, and Jinns Author: John Zubrzycki Publisher: Pan MacMillan Price: ₹699 Prannay