The Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer

“The Life of Mahatma Gandhi” is a biography written by Louis Fischer that chronicles the life of one of India’s most important historical figures, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi. The book was first published in 1950, just a few years after Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, and has since become a classic work on the subject.

Fischer’s biography is a comprehensive account of Gandhi’s life, from his childhood in India to his education in England, his experiences in South Africa, and his return to India, where he became a key figure in the Indian independence movement. The book delves into Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance, his political and social activism, and his personal life, including his marriage, his relationship with his children, and his spiritual beliefs.

Fischer’s writing is clear and engaging, and he draws on a wide range of sources, including interviews with Gandhi’s family and friends, Gandhi’s own writings, and contemporary news reports. The book provides a vivid portrait of Gandhi as a complex and often contradictory figure, a man who was both deeply committed to his cause and yet capable of making mistakes and misjudgments.

Overall, “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi” is a compelling and insightful biography that provides a valuable introduction to one of the most important figures of the 20th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history, the philosophy of non-violent resistance, or the life of a truly remarkable individual.