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Published Apr 2014
688 pages
Genre: Biography/Memoir
Publication Information
The first volume of a magisterial biography: the definitive portrait of the life and work of one of the most abidingly influential-and controversial-men in modern history.
Here is a revelatory work of biography that takes us from Mohandas Gandhi's birth in 1869 through his upbringing in Gujarat, his two years as a student in London, and his two decades as a lawyer and community organizer in South Africa. Ramachandra Guha has uncovered a myriad of previously untapped documents, including private papers of Gandhi's contemporaries and co-workers, contemporary newspapers and court documents, the writings of Gandhi's children, secret files kept by British Empire functionaries. Using this wealth of material in a brilliantly nuanced narrative, Guha describes the social, political, and personal worlds in which Gandhi began his journey to become the modern era's most important and influential political actor. And Guha makes clear that Gandhi's work in South Africa - far from being a mere prelude to his accomplishments in India - was profoundly influential on his evolution as a political thinker, social reformer, and beloved leader.
"Starred Review. Through this excellent volume, Guha demonstrates his deep affinity for the Mahatma with an honest examination of his personal development." - Publishers Weekly
"This is an important biography, but the level of detail can be excessive and may try the patience of all but determined readers. Nonetheless, recommended to all students of Gandhi." - Library Journal
"Guha offers a full, relaxed portrait of how the 'Mahatma' came to be, as he gained his voice as a writer, seeker and leader." - Kirkus
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Ramachandra Guha has previously taught at Yale and Stanford universities, the University of Oslo, the Indian Institute of Science, and the London School of Economics. His books include a pioneering environmental history, an award-winning social history of cricket, and the award-winning India After Gandhi.He writes regularly on social and political issues for the British and Indian press, including columns in The Telegraph and the Hindustan Times, and also for The New York Times.
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