Byline (Roli Books, 2005) is a collection of M. J. Akbar’s finest writings from across a decade of his career as a journalist and commentator. The anthology brings together essays that showcase Akbar’s versatility and range, covering politics, international affairs, culture, and society. Divided into five sections, each with its own identity, the book is unified by Akbar’s informal yet incisive prose style. It reflects his ability to blend reportage, analysis, and storytelling, making it both a record of contemporary issues and a literary work in its own right.