Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces recently introduced an epic coffee table book packed with photos and remembrances from the hotel’s rich history of the company’s iconic flagship property, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

To launch the book, “The Taj at Apollo Bunder,” the hotel held a series of Diwali-themed events at its three American properties, including a luncheon at the Taj Campton Place Hotel here Oct. 21 that featured dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef Srijith Gopinathan. 

Other events celebrating the book’s launch included a gala party at the Pierre, a Taj Hotel, on New York’s Central Park. Raymond Bickson, Taj Hotels managing director and CEO, hosted the New York party, which featured authors Paul Theroux and Salman Rushdie, actors Adrien Brody and Michael Douglas, and designer Tory Burch.

The 336-page book — more than 20 years in the making — was researched and written by British writer and historian Charles Allen along with celebrated Mumbai-based historian and researcher Sharada Dwivedi.

It details highlights from its history, from the day the opulent opened its doors on December 16, 1903, until the terror attacks of 2008 and up to its illustrious present.

“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,” said a spokesperson. 

Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Sons, wrote the book’s foreword. Each copy is $250 on Amazon.com, and 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.