Why read Gandhi Before India?

Book cover of Gandhi Before India

Book description

A New York Times Notable Book and a San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year

A revelatory work of biography, Gandhi Before India is an illuminating portrait of the life, the work, and the historical context of one of the most abidingly influential—and controversial—men in modern history. From Gandhi’s…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Gandhi Before India as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Todd Hasak-Lowy

Author

We all know the Gandhi in sandals and white khadi robes, but how did Gandhi become Gandhi? Guha narrates the remarkable transformation of Gandhi from a timid, London-trained lawyer into a bold, inventive activist advocating for the rights of the Indian immigrant community in South Africa. This engaging, meticulously researched book describes the emergence of Gandhi’s intertwined philosophy and politics, which together reintroduced nonviolence as a potent force to the tumultuous twentieth century.

From Todd's list on The best, most inspirational books about nonviolent leaders.

David Hardiman

Author

Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 as an obscure lawyer and left for India in 1914 as a renowned fighter for the rights of Indians under a racist regime. It was here that he forged his method of agitation, which he called ‘satyagraha’, as well as his views on building alternative societies with higher moral values than those of the western imperialists who ruled them. His career in South Africa provided him with the vital political and ideological stepping-stones to become by 1920 the foremost leader of the Indian nationalist movement. In this detailed and lucidly written volume,…

From David's list on The best books on Mahatma Gandhi and his life.