Star Struck

I sent the following email to the Shahenshah of modern travel writers, William Dalrymple, early last month:

Dear Mr Dalrymple

I hope this doesn’t come across as too stalker-like but now that I’ve read and re-read your existing books I think I’m beginning to develop withdrawal symptoms. Rumour has it you’re working on a new work focusing on Delhi’s twilight era looking at the likes of Bahadur Shah Zafar and Mirza Asadullah Ghalib.

Is there any truth behind these rumours and if so when are they likely to materialise?

Best regards

Tauseef

I didn't hear from him throughout March and was beginning to draw parallels between the reliability of email delivery and the Royal Mail (or entertain the possibility that I may have actually frightened the poor man) when lo and behold on checking my emails today:

Hello there Tauseef- and thanks so much for your note. Yes I am working away on Zafar and have just returned from a trip to Rangoon to see the place of his final exile (I loved Rangoon but can understand why he wouldn't share my feelings!) Please find attached an academic article I have just written on the British in 19th C Delhi which will show you the direction the book is heading... The book should be out the Autumn of next year- 2006.

Khuda hafez and thanks for writing,

William Dalrymple

Now I just need to work my way through the 35-page article. Should keep me busy til Autumn 2006!