First published in 1978 it was then the most authentic and comprehensive study of the historical, political and economic background of the emergence of the new nation, Bangladesh. Rich in useful rare data collected from different sources varying from personal to international, this book gives a vivid description of the birth of the nation by one who had a unique access to rare source materials. Received and expanded in the light of new disclosure after 1975, it is indeed an Iliad of the woes and sufferings of people of this land in the throes of new birth and an Odyssey of their hazardous journey, now failing and faltering, now gaining new destiny. In addition to penetrating analysis of the emergence of Bengali nation, the book contains a wealth of information about the country which few readers can afford to miss seven new appendices provide important information relating to the history of the country.