NEW YORK: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces introduced the epic coffee table book, The Taj at Apollo Bunder, that chronicles the legendary history of the company's iconic Mumbai flagship, The Taj Mahal Palace, from its first conception by founder J.N. Tata in the 1890s to present day.  Raymond Bickson, Taj Hotels Managing Director and CEO, presented the book at a gala party at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel on New York's Central Park. Michael Douglas, Tory Burch, Salman Rushdie, Adrien Brody, Paul Theroux, Suhel Seth, and Anand Giridharadas read excerpts from the work that was more than 20 years in the making. Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons, wrote the book's foreword. Proceeds from book sales will benefit the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust, which has been set up to support the victims of natural calamities and help sustain their livelihood.

"The Taj Group is now 108 years old. Our remarkable journey began with our beloved flagship -- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai," said Bickson. "I have seen firsthand how this hotel has come to stand for the resilient spirit of the island city that is Mumbai. The Taj has an extraordinary and heart-warming story to tell, and Sharada and Charles have made it a joy to read. Thank you in advance for your interest in the treasured tales being told in The Taj At Apollo Bunder, sales of which will support those in need for years to come."

Carefully researched and written by British writer and historian Charles Allen and celebrated Mumbai-based historian and researcher Sharada Dwivedi, The Taj at Apollo Bunder details how from the day it opened its doors on December 16, 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace was acknowledged as India's original hotel. Candid, humorous and inspiring, the book's 12 vivid chapters recount how J.N. Tata played a leading role in restoring the faith and prosperity of the then plague-affected Bombay by building an architectural marvel for tourists.

The Taj of Apollo Bunder is available for purchase on Amazon.com for $250, with proceeds benefitting the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust.

SOURCE Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces