In "City of Djinns," William Dalrymple embarks on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Delhi, peeling away the layers of history to uncover a city pulsating with life, steeped in legend, and shimmering with enchantment. With the keen eye of a historian and the lyrical soul of a poet, Dalrymple traverses the bylanes of a metropolis that has risen and fallen, yet remained eternal through its seven historical incarnations. Along the way, he encounters a vibrant tapestry of characters—from the guardians of the fading grandeur of the Mughal empire to the spirited inhabitants of the contemporary city, each adding a unique thread to the rich mosaic of Delhi's heritage. Enthralled by the myth of the djinns, those ethereal beings believed to protect the city's indomitable spirit, Dalrymple delves deep into the supernatural lore that envelops Delhi, lending an otherworldly dimension to his narrative. "City of Djinns" is not just a travelogue; it is a profound exploration of the soul of a city that refuses to be vanquished, a city that has been reborn time and again from the ashes of its own ruins. Dalrymple's masterful storytelling, brimming with wit and wisdom, invites readers to lose themselves in the narrow alleys, grand ruins, and bustling markets of Delhi, discovering along the way the eternal city's ability to enchant and inspire, to hold within its folds stories of extraordinary resilience and transcendent beauty.