The Essential Writings (Oxford World's Classics) - Softcover

'those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion means'

Mahatma Gandhi was a profound and original thinker as well as one of the most influential figures in the history of the twentieth century. A religious and social reformer, he became a notable leader in the Indian nationalist movement, made famous for his advocacy of non-violent civil resistance. His many and varied writings are essentially responses to the specific challenges he faced, and they show his maturing ideas and political will, as well as his spirituality and humanity, over several decades.

This new selection demonstrates how his thinking was truly radical, dealing with problems from the roots upwards: in the lives of individuals, of societies, and of political structures. It underlines the supreme importance of non-violence, and Gandhi's unique and unrealized vision of a new India after the departure of the British.

ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Judith Brown has written many books on Gandhi and India including Gandhi's Rise to Power. Indian Politics 1915-22 (1972), Gandhi and Civil Disobedience. The Mahatma in Indian Politics 1928-34 (1977), Gandhi. Prisoner of Hope (1989) and Nehru. A Political Life (2003). Her most recent book is Global South Asians: Introducing the Modern Diaspora (CUP, 2006). She is the author of the ODNB entry on Gandhi. Her selection is based on Raghaven Iyer's he Essential Writings of Mahatma Gandhi (OUP India, 1993) in a new arrangement and with many additional items.