The twenty-five critical studies in the book which cover a wide spectrum of subjects, authors, titles and concepts across time and space, may be broadly classified into four categories : essays on (i) critical theory, (ii) on individual authors, (iii) in comparative literature, and (iv) on language--in addition to a culture study focussed on the present-day American scenario. The essays which encompass the vast areas of knowledge from Plato to Derrida, from Bharata and Anandavardhana to Bankim, Tagore and contemporary Indian literary criticism as well as British, French, German, American and Indian authors are yet remarkable for profundity of thought, originality of approach and lucidity of expression. These highly perceptive explorations into the Western and the Indian intellectual traditions offer a rich aesthetic experience, and while scholars will immensely benefit from the book, the general readers will also find it highly interesting and enjoyable.