Book excerpt: Three Indian Poets introduces the poetry of Nissim Ezekiel, Dom Moraes, and A.K. Ramanujan--three of the best-known and most significant of modern Indian poets who wrote in English--to students and teachers of Indian literature. Considered to be the founders of modern Indian poetry in English, they became the first post-colonial poets writing in English who commanded international attention. This updated edition of Three Indian Poets was brought out after the deaths of Ezekiel and Moraes in 2005. Beginning with a valuable critical introduction, the book then discusses Ezekiel, whose poetry has deeply influenced and expanded the cultural space for modern Indian poetry in English. Next, Bruce King studies the poetry of Ramanujan, who was the only poet among the three who wrote in Indian languages as well. Finally, King analyses the poetry of Moraes, who, in his themes and attitudes, was the most romantic and sentimental, and least concerned with India and Indianness. Three Indian Poets is a comprehensive study of the similarities as well as differences between Ezekiel, Ramanujan, and Moraes. By re-considering and re-presenting the poetry of these diverse poets, the book captures the poetic and literary consciousness of post-colonial India.