Book excerpt: Now the political and cultural mecca controlling the pulse of India, the vibrant metropolis of New Delhi has been ruled by many powerful empires and seduced many powerful rulers over the centuries. With a history that stretches back to ancient times, there are stories and memories embedded in every crevice and corner of the city. This unusual guidebook invites readers on an adventure beyond the well-mapped and best-known landmarks to explore New Delhi's most hidden pleasures and unravel its most shrouded mysteries. Walk the byzantine lanes of Old Delhi, offer alcohol to a god, savor a biryani made by the emperors' cooks, meet the sitar maker to the Beatles, visit India's oldest toy shop, and gaze upon the abandoned statue of a legendary queen. From tales of perfumers, emperors, and quaint local characters to bustling streets, legend-filled ruins, and ever-changing landscapes, discover the true essence of one of the most fascinating and evolving cities on the planet.