Product Description

This is a biography of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). He led the fight for Indian independence from British rule, who tirelessly pursued a strategy of passive resistance, and who was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic only a few months after independence was achieved.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8819 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 672 pages

Customer Reviews

An example in an open, honest life
This book shows very clearly Gandhi's dedication to peaceful protest, spiritual development and open, honest living. It is this lesson that you take away from this book more than anything else. He lived his life with dedication and integrity and the book shows that immensely well. A clear, lucid read and highly enjoyable and inspiring.

Very highly recommended
This is easily one of the finest authobiographies about Mahatma Ghandi. It is written with considerable skill and sensitivity, giving readers a very realistic and fascinating insight into the lifestyle, teaching and practices of Ghandi, within the context of an occupied India (and racially segregated South Africa). Louis Fischer has attempted (and in my opinion, succeeded) to allow the reader glimpses of the mind of Ghandi, his ideas, his beliefs and how they shaped him into the remarkable man considered to be the Father of India. It is, however, a balanced portrayal, and accounts for the Mahatma's failures as well as his successes - and tends to go beyond the myth and awe that surrounds Ghandi. The result is a gripping, fascinating and very real story.

Highly recommended
Louis Fischer does his subject justice with a fine account of Gandhi's life. Despite the long duration of the Mahatma's struggle, the author keeps the book interesting pretty much throughout. Fischer's two first hand accounts of his meetings with Gandhi serve as a plesent break in the course of the book, giving it greater life, as well as providing a more personal insight into Gandhi. Thankfully the author remains well clear of blind adoration for the man, highlighting both his flaws and weaknesses. The only short coming is that the book was written before the rise of M.L. King and Nelson Mandela, thus fails to address the full influence Gandhi had and will have beyond India. Overall, I whole heartedly recommend this book of such an important subject, which was also the inspiration for the film.