Mahatma Gandhi: His Life and Ideas »

Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) was one of the most important and influential social and religious reformers of the last century, spending his life striving for justice, peace, and equality among countries, races, and classes. His ideas and ideals have inspired generations of activists-from Martin Luther King Jr. to Vaclav Havel-and acted as catalysts for change in every corner of the globe.

In this intimate biography, Charles ("Charlie") Andrews-Englishman, Anglican priest, and a close friend and colleague of Gandhi's in both South Africa and India-explores the life and times of this great soul, providing fascinating insight into the spiritual, political, and historical environment that affected Gandhi, playing key roles in the development of his thought and action.

Mahatma Gandhi: His Life and Ideas uses letters, personal reminiscences, and excerpts from Gandhi's many published and private writings to paint a vivid and accessible portrait of the personality and spirit of one of the most prominent figures in Indian-and world-history.

This updated edition showcases a new foreword about the continuing impact and importance of Gandhi's message today, written by Dr. Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and cofounder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence.

Uma Krishnaswami - Children's Literature

Here is a reissued edition of the classic Gandhi biography by activist and Anglican priest C. F. Andrews. He was a close friend and colleague of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, one of the world's great reformers of the past century. This book includes a foreword by Arun Gandhi, grandson of the man respectfully known as Mahatma, or "great soul," and himself the cofounder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. This biography is part of the "SkyLight Lives" series focusing on "Innovators of the Spirit." The Rev. C. F. Andrews himself played a role in the Indian movement for independence from British rule. His book is as much the account of a participant in his time, as it is that of an observer and documentarian. As a Christian minister, he learned to understand and respect Hindu traditions. In this book he presented that understanding through the lens of Gandhi, who referred to him as "more than a blood brother." Contradictions and ambiguity are here in measure. In our time, when the doctrines of public discourse favor improbable combinations of easy solution and absolute morality, it is striking to note that the moral positions of Gandhi's era were not easily come by. Dilemmas and compromises are both vividly and honestly depicted with respect to Gandhi's own conflicted views, on Hindu-Muslim relations, for example, and on his emerging philosophy of ahimsa or nonviolence. The later application of his thinking to political arenas is examined as well—the women's movement, nonviolent resistance, and inevitably, the gathering struggle for freedom. Extensive passages are included from Gandhi's numerous writings, as well as letters and personal reminiscence. Backmatterincludes a note from SkyLight editors, and appendices containing further correspondence and documentation. A gift indeed. 2003, Skylight Paths Publishing, Ages 14 up.