Judith M. Brown (1) (1944–)

The definitive biography of one of this century's most important-and controversial-figures. Drawing on sources only recently made available, Judith Brown sketches a fresh and surprising portrait of Gandhi within the context of his time, in which the Indian leader emerges as neither the plaster saint nor the wily politician, but as a complex man whose actions followed honorably from his convictions.

A collection of stimulating essays on Gandhi’s life, his ideas and his legacy. They give us a better understanding of a remarkable man who has been all but deified and continues to inspire awe among new generations of scholars and activists, in all his multi–faceted life.

The first few essays portray the major episodes of his life. The atmosphere and conditions that he grew up in India, his life in London and his transformation from a lawyer to a political activist in South Africa , his show more return to India and his role in National movements and his final years lived in increasing disenchantment and despair. The second part of the essays deal with his deeply religious nature, his holistic view of the world, his unique anti – capitalist, anti-industrial and anti – imperialist views and his highly influential ideas of Satyagraha. The final two essays deal with his portrayal in film and literature and his continuing legacy despite the Indian state having embarked upon a totally Un-Gandhian and the unsustainable path of emulating the western style of consumption. show less

Short on drama; long on meaning. Brown is a master of insight.

Superior analysis of the last century of British rule.