Written by scholars, writers, and artists, these volumes celebrate the tercentenary of India's most vibrant city. There are essays on the history, economy, art, music, literature and cinema of Calcutta, while the people, places and institutions that have shaped this teeming city over three centuries are brought to life in a series of portraits. In addition, there are articles on the extreme poverty of many of its inhabitants and assessments of current plans to improve their living standards.