Ducoso presents:

Back in 1994 we were thinking of ways to mark Ravi’s 75th birthday. I asked Brian Roylance if he wanted to publish a book and he said ‘yes’. Ravi liked the idea too, and then we started to prepare.’ – George Harrison

In Raga Mala, one of the twentieth century’s most important musicians shares his life story, with a foreword by Shankar’s close friend and guest editor, George Harrison, and an afterword by Yehudi Menuhin.

The title of the book, Raga Mala or 'Garland of Ragas' was chosen by Shankar as it refers to a style of playing where the musician plays a series of musical melodies while constantly returning to a main theme. As Shankar explains, this is how he went about recalling his memories and how the book might be received by the reader, one recollection sparking from another.


Shankar eloquently recalls his parents and his childhood in Benares, India; his commitment to music and the sitar and discipleship under guru Allauddin Khan; his move to the West and pioneering appreciation of Indian music in Europe and America in the 1950s and '60s; his 1966 meeting with George Harrison which led to lasting friendship, collaborations and superstardom. Shankar recalls pivotal moments such as performing at Monterey Pop, the Woodstock Festival, the Concert For Bangladesh, and performances with Harrison, Philip Glass, John Coltrane, Yehudi Menuhin, the London Symphony Orchestra, and many more.


Shankar shares his spiritual beliefs and speaks about his philosophy of music and art, discussing in detail the history and technique of playing the sitar, accompanied by a glossary of terms at the end of the book.

The edition features a remarkable collection of nearly 300 photographs in black and white and colour, a large number of which had never been published before. Further items such as letters, notes, news clippings and hand-written sheet music, are drawn almost entirely from the personal archives of Ravi Shankar and those of the book's editor, George Harrison.

Signed by Ravi Shankar. Bound in Bangalore raw silk specially created for this book, with gilt hand-tooling and gilded page edging, in a silk-screened presentation box, decoratively blocked in gold leaf. Includes two CDs of exclusive and rare material and a packet of Special Durbar Agarbathi incense sticks (a personal favourite of Ravi and the book's guest editor, George Harrison). Sold out long ago. Near Mint condition.

Contact seller Ducoso for more information. Pick up in Leidschendam or send through the mail