Indian Sun: The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar

I have just finished reading this very long but interesting book. As a lifelong Beatles fan I was naturally drawn to Ravi Shankar by George Harrison but also by Shankar`s soundtrack to the 1966 black and white film Alice in Wonderland which I watched in wonderment as a young schoolboy. It has left a lasting memory with me. I saw Ravi Shankar in concert at the Royal Festival Hall in the late 1960`s and was mesmerised by his music. Oliver Craske`s book is a work of genius. He takes us on a journey to Ravi`s birth and early life, going on tour with his brothers and going to school in Paris. Ravi`s early solo concert tours in the USA and Europe and his love of women. Ravi`s meeting with and early tutoring of George Harrison is well documented and Ravi and George became lifelong friends. Ravi`s later years are described in detail, his joy at teaching his daughter Anoushka the sitar,his estrangement and reconciliation with his daughter Norah Jones and his deep love for his second wife Sukanya. This is a book that I can thoroughly recommend to anyone with a passing interest in Indian classical music and the life of this great man.

An outstanding biography of a long, complex and rich life well-lived. Shankar's early life prior to his 1950s and 1960s classical and pop superstardom is given greater coverage than ever before. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the author manages to avoid glossing over Shankar's rougher edges and failings, in spite of his obvious admiration and affection for him. Craske was given unlimited access to his subject's extensive private archives, and it's hard to imagine any book being able to surpass his comprehensive research. Shankar's long and diverse paths crossed a century's movers and shakers, making his life fascinating reading on a human level alone, aside from his inestimable musical contributions.

I knew very little about Ravi Shankar until I read this book. Now I can say I know what he did, where, with whom, throughout his life. Sticks to facts. No fancy perhapses, or relaying thoughts. Most important it catalogues his music: performances, recordings, compositions. Very useful. A lot of work must have gone into it. Easily understood in straitforward prose. Can recommend it.

A very full biography of a fascinating man. Well researched and written

Bought this as a present for a musician friend of mine and he is delighted with it.