There are certain spiritual principles, such as non-violence and the vows of poverty and chastity which are universal, but Gandhi is perhaps unique as an historical figure who lived out these principles in political life, and, as a result, changed the course of history.
This, the definitive biography of Gandhi, is a fascinating study of the transformation of a mediocre and timid young man into crusader who stood against a mighty empire and launched millions of poor, illiterate and socially backward Indians - as well as the intelligentsia and the rich - into a sustained, non-violent movement for independence. The turning points in Gandhi's spiritual journey that were to become turning points in history are vividly portrayed.