A lifetime devoted to books, both as a collector and author
View(s):Dr. C. G. Uragoda, the eminent author, has published this year the complementary volume to his earlier publication on authors of Sri Lanka, 1976-1948 (British period). The current issue covers a part of the post Independence period. I understand a third volume covering a further period is due soon.
This publication, written in a concise and lucid manner, provides not only an account of the authors and their publications during the period, but also carries a biographic insight to many of them. The information provided in most cases alludes to their social background, early education, academic attainments and extracurricular activities that create in the reader the interest to source the original text. This book would undoubtedly be a valuable guide to any researcher and student.
Dr. Uragoda alludes to many distinguished persons, of whom we have only heard or have scant knowledge. The index and the names of authors arranged in alphabetical order are enhanced with biographical pen sketches. These pen sketches enhance the educational value of the book. The publication refers to 395 authors during the period 1949 to 1975.
In order to infuse the desire to peruse the contents of the book, a few authors selected at random are herein mentioned. Today the Dehiwela Zoological Garden and its administration are much in the news; more so with the proposal to open zoological gardens in other parts of Sri Lanka. Dr. Uragoda’s book refers to the first Superintendent of the Dehiwela Zoo, Aubrey Weinman who authored the book, My Personal Ark (1969). Reference is made to his life in the British Army and later to him being a prisoner-of-war. Dr. Uragoda also makes mention of the German, John Hagenbeck (Ottoman), who created the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens in the late 1920’s.
Two books are mentioned as authored by Rev. W. J. T. Small. Dr. Uragoda narrates “the brilliant record of this young Englishman, who at 16 years came first in the United Kingdom in the Senior Oxford Local Examination. He then joined Cambridge University and got a First Class in Mathematics Tripos, becoming a Wrangler.” He accepted the Wesleyan Methodist Mission’s call to come to Galle, as the Principal of Richmond College, where he served for 16 long years. He died in 1978 and was buried at Dadalla Cemetery, Galle.
In this publication the author mentions Dr. R. L. Spittel, the eminent doctor often referred to as the “Surgeon of the jungle,” and the many books he has authored on the wilds of Sri Lanka, including our indigenous Veddah community. Mention is also made of Dr. Spittel’s daughter and author, Christine Spittel Wilson and their joint effort, the book, Brave Island (1960).
Dr. Uragoda’s two volumes on the authors on Sri Lanka from 1796 to 1975 cover a period of 178 years and refer to 776 authors. He has also published many books on medicine and health, wildlife and jungle journeys, traditions and customs of Sri Lanka. His publication, Sri Lanka Then and Now provides a historical perspective of the days gone by. His writings would provide a knowledge-base for posterity.
He brings to this monograph a lifetime devoted to books, both as a collector and as an author. He has our commendation for this excellent work of research and scholarship.
The book is available at leading bookshops.
Book facts
Authors of Books on Sri Lanka, 1949-1975 by Dr. C. G. Uragoda
Price: Rs 2,100
Reviewed by Ravi Deraniyagala