

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Columbia University Press; Reprint edition (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0231159595
ISBN-13: 978-0231159593
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #387,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #42 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism > Gandhi #77 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Historical > Asia > India & South Asia #316 in Books > History > Asia > India

I don't care to duplicate the academic praise seen in the above reviews. But I can tell you simply that Dennis Dalton was my professor in a class on Non-Violence at Columbia Univ. and it changed my life. At a period of time when I was an atheist, believing that all religion was just a set of rules to control people, D. Dalton demonstrated through the example of Ghandi that the Love and Truth force can be a powerful vehicle for change. This completely changed my view point from victim to activist. One could actually have spirituality from within, instead of imposed upon him or her from without. A tool, not a punishment. The 'truth' one has seems to be irrelevant; it is one's passion and belief and willingness to stand behind that Truth that triumphs. If it is True in the archetypal sense, others will join (not follow) you. And by direct action at the heart level, you can touch and change nations. This is not about passive resistance; this is about direct non-violent confrontation. It is about appealing to the best, the highest nature, of that which you confront. He showed me that one can change the world with one's heart; that truth can win. And now I just wait for Dennis to write the definative book on Emma Goldman... Truly a great teacher and initiator of the inner spark of one's own truth force. And with Ghandi as his guiding archetype, this book should be on the reading list of every activist.
What a brilliant analysis of Gandhi's philosophy! This is an insightful collection of essays that illuminates the essential relationship between Gandhi's theory of non-violence and his practice of the same. Dennis Dalton uses two powerful examples: the Salt March of 1930 and the fast to end Partition-related violence in 1947. There is a fascinating conclusion between Gandhi's ideas and those of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, illustrating the relevance of Gandhi's thought to present day issues.
Dennis Dalton has an extraordinary piece of scholarship here on Gandhi. It might be better suited for Gandhi experts, or at least those who have read a bit about Gandhi. This is not a biography. If you want that begin with Louis Fischer books on Gandhi. Dalton does contribute an exceptional analysis of Gandhi's nonviolent program, his commitment to "swaraj" or home rule, and all his political interests. Dalton also critiques and understands well the strength and limitations of nonviolence. This book is ideal for those interested in religion and politics, who preferably have at least some biographical knowledge of Gandhi. For example, having read the Fischer books, or Gandhi's "Autobiography" and his book "Hind Swaraj" would put you in a prime position to grasp Dalton's very fine work. Overall highly recommended for the hard core Gandhi enthusiast or scholar. Dalton's book concludes with an illuminating comparison and contrast of King, Malcolm X and Gandhi.
A cogent, informative review of Gandhi's life, thoughts, his influence, written by one of the world's best Gandhi scholars. HIs evenhandedness, and his values and who his as person shine through his lucid prose. This is a must read book for all Americans who value our rich history and are concerned about the path on which we are going.
Dalton presents the historical development of Gandhi's political thought, especially on nonviolence and satyagraha (nonviolent direct action). When read in combination with Joan Bondurant's "Conquest of Violence," one understands the key concepts and strategies of nonviolent action in the context of India's independence movement. Despite the attention to historical detail, the reader is left wondering just how nonviolence works and how it persuades rather than dominates the opponent. Dalton's comparison of Malcolm X and Gandhi enlightens the reader on the striking parallels in the development of their political thought under conditions of racist oppression. Both traveled the road from emulating the white oppressor, due to a sense of inferiority, to psychological liberation and resistance, violent versus nonviolent. M. L. King, Malcolm X and Gandhi all embraced the idea of "inclusiveness" encompassing both oppressor and oppressed. For a further treatment of this theme, see my book, "The Psychopolitics of Liberation: Political Consciousness from a Jungian Perspective" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007). Lawrence Alschuler, Professor of Political Science.
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