All Those Yesterdays :1954-1964 (Hardcover)

In this book, the second volume of the author's autobiography, the period covered is 1954-1964 which represents his youth. During these years he studied in Dacca College (1954-1964), University of Dacca (1956-1960), University of Washington (1960-1962) and London School of Economics (1962-1964). Straddling three continents, his youth was spent in cities including Dacca, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, Helsinki, Berlin and Paris.
Following his wanderlust the author journeyed by car, bus, plane and train over land and ship across the Atlantic Ocean. His travel experiences are narrated vividly, using facts and where necessary, imagination. In terms of narrative for autobiography the author has developed a unique style which is off the beaten track.
The author has described his student life in the three continents and in parallel has told about pursuit of his interests in arts, literature, politics and history. His depiction of persons whom he met and the places visited are brief but captivating.
As in the Aide-Memoire, the first volume of his autobiography, here also he uses third person singular as the narrator which lends a measure of objectivity. Wit, humour and pathos find their place in relevant contexts, making the writing intimate as well as universal in appeal.

About the book :
Hasnat Abdul Hye's auto-biographical book reveals to us an inquisitive and lively mind, eager to explore new worlds and taste new sensation. His unpretentious smooth style and the way he presents his materials make the book at once informative and entertaining.
Professor Kabir Chowdhury
National Professor, Bangladesh
Translator, Art Critic

The second volume of Hasnat Abdul Hye's memoir, 'All Those Yesterdays' gives a very readable account of his encounters and responses to people, places and events as he went through life and grew. Adventure, observation, reflection, often erudite and witty and an immense appetite for reading and experience mark them. He is clearly a person to whom rather extra-ordinary things happen, by luck or accident, giving him a mild air of being 'chosen'. 'All those yesterdays', a record of a life hugely enjoyed and, apparently untroubled by 'time and chance' has yet a touch of nostalgia, faintly reminiscent of the 15th century French poet Villon's 'where are the snows of yesteryears?' written in another key, which stresses the vanished joy of a cruel time.
Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid
Former Vice-Chancellor, Rajshahi University
Essayist, Critic
In telling the story of his youth, Hasnat Abdul Hye has managed to write a story of his time, too. The narrative is personal that easily broadens into the collective life of many. The style is fresh and vibrant. He sees and makes the reader see; he feels and makes his reader feel. And he evokes pictures that make the reading of this book a feast for the minds' eye.
Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui
Former Vice-Chancellor, Jahangirnagar University
Poet, Essayist
Hasnat Abdul Hye's memoir of his student days is an evocative read for all those who remember with affection life in Dhaka and Dhaka University in the 1950s and early 1960s as also life as a foreign student in USA and Europe in the untroubled era of the early 1960s. It is a good read for both nostalgia seekers as well as a more contemporary generation for whom life in that era remains virtually unrecognizable.
Professor Rehman Sobhan
Chairman, Centre For Policy Dialogue
Dacca, Bangladesh
Economist and Author

Hasnat Abdul Hye studied Economics at Dhaka University, the University of Washington and London School of Economics and Development Studies at Cambridge University. After teaching Economics at Dhaka University he joined civil service and served in various capacities including that of Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh. He is at present the Advisory Editor of an English Daily.
Hasnat Abdul Hye is a leading writer of fiction and travel books in Bangladesh. He was awarded Bangla Academy Prize for short story. He received the national award "Ekushey Padak" for his contribution to literature. His novel "Sultan" was nominated for the Irish "Impact Award" in 1997.
Hasnat Abdul Hye was born in Calcutta in 1939. His ancestral home is in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh.