Pakistan, July 17 -- The title of this book takes inspiration from Mir Anis's famous couplet:

Khayal-e-khatir-e-ahbab chahiye har dam Anis, thes na lag jae abginon ko (Consideration for the feelings of friends is needed at every moment, Anis, lest the fragile glassware be bruised.)

This couplet, with its emphasis on a constant awareness of others' feelings-lest fragile vessels be damaged-immediately suggests that the book might be a collection of personal portraits or affectionate recollections. However, this assumption is quickly corrected once one engages with its contents. The book is a compilation of critical writings that can most appropriately be described as impressionistic criticism.

The author, Nasir Ali Syed, is an establishe...