However, the volume in this series that merits a special mention is R.K. Narayan'sThe Indian Epics Retold (Penguin India, Rs 500). The publisher's venture takes one by surprise, mainly since our normal expectation from a Narayan volume isconfined to a few novels and short stories. In any case, who would imagine that a commemorative edition on this grand old writer has everything except Swami and His Friends, The Bachelor of Arts and The Guide.