Mohandas K. Gandhi: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“This concise biography of Mohandas K. Gandhi is aimed at high school students and general readers. Coverage spans Gandhi's entire life, from his birth into a moderately influential family in 1869 through his education as a lawyer; his transformation into India's foremost negotiator with the British power structure; his employment of hunger strikes and other nonviolent means of protest; and his assassination in 1948. Supplemental materials include a timeline, glossary, and photo essay.”–Reference & Research Book News

Product Description

Mohandas K. Gandhi, known as Mahatma ("great soul") Gandhi, is a revered figure worldwide for his nonviolent action to free India from British rule. His iconic status endures in the United States, through his influence on Martin Luther King, Jr., and in popular culture, including quotations, a blockbuster film, and interest in Hindu spirituality and practices. Readers will discover how Gandhi came to be a member of the exalted pantheon of men for the ages. They will follow him from his family's home in the provinces to an early arranged marriage, solo sojourn in England to prepare for a law career, and growth from a timid new barrister in South Africa to India's foremost negotiator with the British power structure. He is shown evolving from a loyal British subject to become the champion of Home Rule for India--often inciting illegal actions to get himself and his supporters arrested to further the cause, and risking his life with his famous hunger strikes. The narrative of Gandhi's life and contributions also illuminates Indian society and the caste system from the latter half of the 19th century up to World War II, including British colonial rule, racism in South Africa and India, and Hinduism. Controversial aspects of Gandhi's choices are covered as well. For example, he was largely an absentee husband and father. After siring four children, he took a vow of celibacy, but nevertheless formed attachments to several young, female Western devotees through the years. Ultimately, it was Gandhi's role as a compromiser who believed in Hindus and Muslims in a free, united India that led to his assassination.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (December 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313333947
• ISBN-13: 978-0313333941
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,426,785 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid, Interesting Overview, July 7, 2008

By	Will Jerom (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

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I still prefer Louis Fischer's writings on Gandhi, but Marcello's book should be read by those who want as full an understanding of Gandhi's life as possible. Marcello looks at some dimensions of Gandhi's character and flaws that Fischer tends to gloss over, and does a fairly good job of introducing the life and thought of Gandhi.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An overview of Indian society society as a whole!, April 27, 2006

By	D. Donovan, Editor/Sr. Reviewer "California B... (California, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Patricia Cronin Marcello's MOHANDAS K. GANDHI: A BIOGRAPHY (0313333947, $29.95) lends to all three collections, joining others in the 'Greenwood Biographies' series to provide not just a coverage of his life and contributions, but an overview of Indian society and history up to World War II. Gandhi's personal life as an absentee husband and father is also reviewed, as well as his attachments to devotees and his experiences of betrayal.