Graham Shaw, a distinguished Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London, brings his lifelong expertise in the history of the book to this insightful work. With a career spanning thirty-six years at the British Library—culminating in his role as Head of Asia, Pacific, and Africa Collections, including the renowned India Office Library & Records—Shaw has been at the forefront of scholarship on the history of printing, publishing, and book culture in South Asia.

For over four decades, he has contributed extensively to the study of the evolution of print in the Indian subcontinent, tracing its trajectory from the earliest presses of the 16th century to the dynamic and politically charged publishing landscape of the 20th century. His meticulous research illuminates the intersection of print with colonial governance, indigenous literary expression, and the emergence of nationalist thought, offering an unparalleled perspective on how printed materials shaped public discourse and cultural identity.

In Subaltern Squibs and Sentimental Rhymes, Shaw explores the voices and vernacular expressions that often existed on the margins of mainstream literary and political narratives. From the ephemeral pamphlets and poetic tracts of subaltern communities to the sentimental verses that captured the emotions of a changing era, this book sheds light on the overlooked and the forgotten. It uncovers how print media became an instrument of both resistance and sentimentality, revealing the complex interplay between colonialism, popular expression, and the power of the written word.

This volume is an essential read for scholars, historians, and literary enthusiasts interested in the vibrant and often subversive history of print culture in South Asia. Through detailed analysis and an engaging narrative, Subaltern Squibs and Sentimental Rhymes revives lost voices and brings new depth to our understanding of the printed past.