GANDHI: A Life - Softcover

Chadha, Yogesh

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0471350621 ISBN 13: 9780471350620

Publisher: Trade Paper Press, 1999

Synopsis

The Internationally Acclaimed Biography of One of History’s Monumental Figures Gandhi: A Life The first biography of this important figure in over twenty years, Gandhi: A Life rescues the man from the myth, revealing the transformation of an ordinary, timid young man into a leader whose stand against a mighty empire brought millions together. "Until another Gandhi scholar comes along who digs deeper and can write more movingly, Gandhi scholarship will be well served by Chadha’s effort." — The Washington Post Book World "It is well-balanced, even-handed, and, like its subject, inspiring." —Kirkus Reviews "An engaging work worthy of a wide audience." —Library Journal "A sober, sensible, and notably fair account of this most quicksilver of personalities ... far from uncritical ... But on the whole he is approving, even reverential. Usually he convinces one that this is justified." — Daily Telegraph (London) "The first major biography to appear for twenty years ... [with] a depth and authority which others have lacked." —The Independent (London)

About this title

Review:

The aim of Gandhi: A Life as described by writer Yogesh Chadha is "[Reclaiming Gandhi] as a human being out of the many myths surrounding him." Chadha's method seems to consist mainly of a "frank" detailing of the Indian revolutionary leader's personal flaws. But the sheer amount of biographical data in this book is impressive. And the details of Gandhi's assassination in 1948 and the subsequent prosecution of his killers are extremely well researched.

In his introduction to the book, Chadha fleetingly suggests that Gandhi's significance to the liberation of India is overemphasized at the expense of his broader contributions to humanism, although the evidence presented later in the biography might indicate that the two are profoundly interconnected.

Making copious use of Gandhi's collected writings, Chadha presents a highly detailed portrait that lends new insight into one of the 20th century's most profound spiritual leaders.

From the Publisher:

This first major biography in over 20 years reclaims the real man from the myth. Mohandas Gandhi's courageous and inspirational campaign for Indian independence from England earned worldwide respect and the countless biographies that immediately followed his assassination in 1948 turned that respect into sainthood. This new biography presents a well-rounded portrait of one of the monumental figures in twentieth-century history, exploring the key events in Gandhi's life that became touchstones in his intellectual, spiritual, and political development.

About this edition

• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0471350621
• ISBN 13: 9780471350620
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 546