Gandhi the Man
The year 1973 marked the first appearance of Gandhi the Man in the United States. Eknath Easwaran wrote this biography about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Glide Publications published the original edition in San Francisco. Jo Anne Black, Nick Harvey, and Laurel Robertson compiled the text from Easwaran's perspective. Several expanded editions followed the initial release. Nilgiri Press later issued multiple US versions of the book. The fourth edition arrived in 2011 with new maps and chronology timelines. Back cover notes confirm these additions were new to that version.
All US editions contain four major parts that structure the narrative. Part one is called The Transformation. Part two carries the title The Way of Love. Part three focuses on Mother and Child. Part four returns to the main subject as Gandhi the Man. These sections guide readers through a progression from early change to spiritual mastery. Photographs appear throughout every American edition. Recent versions include a foreword by Michael Nagler. An Appendix titled How Satyagraha Works appears in newer printings. Timothy Flinders wrote that appendix section for later releases.
Bill McKibben reviewed the book in the New York Post on the 21st of May 1989. He noted the work seemed like pure hagiography at first glance. McKibben praised the wonderful photographs contained within its pages. He argued the text gave more sense of how Gandhi saw his life than other accounts. Donald Cody wrote about the book in The History Teacher magazine. Cody highlighted the effective interspersing of some six dozen pictures throughout the short text. He stated teachers and college students would find the experience rare and inspirational. Tonya Emeigh suggested using the book for teaching humane attitudes towards farm animals in the Bulletin of Science Technology & Society. Huston Smith said this book belongs in every public library in the English speaking world.
Non-English editions appeared in several languages beyond English. A Chinese version titled The Father of Nonviolence Mahatma Gandhi emerged in 1998. Sichuan Copyright Agency expressed interest in publishing a Chinese edition despite political tensions between China and India. The German translation Der Mensch Gandhi reached readers in 1983. Another German edition called His Life is a Message arrived in 1997 from Herder publishers. Japanese versions titled Human Gandhi How One Man Changed Himself to Change the World were released in 2013 by Eastern Osaka Publishing. Korean translations named Nonviolence Is The Greatest Love appeared in 2005. Kurdish and Persian editions also exist with titles reflecting spiritual transformation themes. Canadian and Indian editions circulate alongside US releases.
Gandhi the Man serves as the basis for a seven-week study series. Ministers of Unity of the Valley in Eugene Oregon wrote the curriculum in 1999. This program highlights Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual practice to make nonviolence a force in everyday life. It became the most popular seven-week program ever offered at that church denomination. The course uses the book to teach practical applications of his philosophy. Tonya Emeigh suggested linking lessons about World Farm Animals Day to October 2nd which marks Gandhi's birthday. Educational institutions utilize these materials to explore humane attitudes toward animals. The text functions as both biography and instructional guide for students.
Common questions
Who wrote the biography Gandhi the Man?
Eknath Easwaran wrote the biography Gandhi the Man. Jo Anne Black, Nick Harvey, and Laurel Robertson compiled the text from Easwarans perspective.
When was the first edition of Gandhi the Man published in the United States?
The year 1973 marked the first appearance of Gandhi the Man in the United States. Glide Publications published the original edition in San Francisco that same year.
What are the four major parts of the book Gandhi the Man?
All US editions contain four major parts that structure the narrative. Part one is called The Transformation, part two carries the title The Way of Love, part three focuses on Mother and Child, and part four returns to the main subject as Gandhi the Man.
Which languages have translations of the book Gandhi the Man been released in?
Non-English editions appeared in several languages beyond English including Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Kurdish, and Persian. A Chinese version titled The Father of Nonviolence Mahatma Gandhi emerged in 1998 while a German translation Der Mensch Gandhi reached readers in 1983.
Who reviewed the book Gandhi the Man in the New York Post on the 21st of May 1989?
Bill McKibben reviewed the book in the New York Post on the 21st of May 1989. He noted the work seemed like pure hagiography at first glance but praised the wonderful photographs contained within its pages.