Old Lucknow Is Now But A Dream, But This Work Preserves For Posterity The Full Flavour Of That Golden Age In The History Of The City, Which Comes To Life In The Pages Of This Book. We Enter The Palaces Of Wealthy Nawabs, The Luxurious Abodes Of Cultural Courtesans, And The Hideouts Of Colourful Vagabonds. The Courtesans Our Immediate Concern Were On The Whole Well-Read And Exceedingly Proficient In The Arts Of Dancing And Singing.