Author: Dennis Dalton
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 279
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0-19-564563-4
Description
This insightful collection of essays on Gandhi’s life and thought reinforces the belief that Gandhi’s legacy remains relevant to a variety of cultural contexts, making him one of the most original political thinkers of the century.
This insightful collection of essays on Gandhi’s life and thought reinforces the belief that Gandhi’s legacy remains relevant to a variety of cultural contexts, making him one of the most original political thinkers of the century. It focuses on the manner in which Gandhi forged a connection, in theory and in practice, among the ideas of freedom nonviolent power, and civic responsibility. Dalton’s new preface fills some of the earlier gaps by discussing Gandhi’s conception of manual labor and theory and practice of work, which pervaded his entire social reform programme.
REVIEWS:
What a refreshing study of Gandhi’s political thought!...the best in recent years…This book presents an intellectually satisfying analysis of the Gandhian concepts of ‘satyagraha and swaraj’, of their interconnection, and of their application in his quest for Indian independence. ….Although admiring Gandhi, Dalton eschews his canonization for a clear, thoughtful study.’
—Library Journal
Dalton has very wisely included what one seldom finds in books on Gandhi, examples of the trenchant criticism of his methods and ideas that were made by Indian contemporaries. His book is thus extraordinarily timely for an understanding of the redefinition of Indian nationalism that has been taking place in recent years.
—Ainslie T Embree, Professor Emeritus of
History, Columbia University
Dalton’s book is thorough and original.
—New Statesman and Society
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Satyagraha Meets Swaraj: The Development of Gandhi’s Ideas, 1896-1917
2. Gandhi as Leader: Nonviolence in Power
3. Critiques of Gandhi from His Contemporaries: Rabindranath Tagore and M N
Roy
4. Civil Disobedience: The Salt Satyagraha
5. The Calcutta Fast
6. Mohandas, Malcolm, and Martin
Conclusion: Gandhi’s Contribution from Various Angles
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index