Rating: *** 3 stars

Gita Wolf, Sirish Rao and Emanuele Scanziani,
The Legend of the Fish.
Tara Publishing , 2003

Tara Publishing is a small independent publisher based in Chennai in Northern India. The company was founded and is run by writers, with a mission to publish what they believe in and are inspired by.

There is a keen commitment to the hand-crafted book as part of their output and The Legend of the Fish is produced using letterpress-printed text and silk-screened illustrations printed onto course papers. The book tells of Brahma the creator's dissatisfaction with the earth that he has designed. He calls upon the God Vishnu to solve the problem by introducing the ageing process into this world. Vishnu transforms himself into a fish and entrusts a wise man, Satyavrata, to carry him to the river as he grows too large for his pot. Thus begins a long journey.

The book has very much a hand-made, rustic quality, in keeping with the 'alternative' feel throughout. The detailed line illustrations are printed onto a silver base colour with blue backing. This is a spirited and spiritual production from an enthusiastic and committed little company.

Martin Salisbury