Goopy Gyne Bhagha Byne: The Magical World of Upendrakishore Roychoudhury

Goopy and Bagha are dedicated but unsuccessful musicians who are cast out of their homes because their music drives their families and neighbours crazy. In the forest, they meet the king of ghosts, and pleased with their music, he grants them boons which change their lives forever. This enchanting story was made into a film by Satyajit Ray, which remains one of the classics of Indian cinema.

Artist, musician and man of science, Upendrakishore Roychoudhury was a man of many parts. But it is for his writing for children that he is best remembered. This book is a selection of the best of his stories and the most fascinating of his characters: Tuntuni, the little bird; the clever fox; Majantali Sarkar, the cat; the intrepid Granny Hunchback, and many others.

Swagata Deb’s vibrant translation brings Upendrakishore’s unique magic to a wider audience.