Rare Book on Gandhi Signed by Einstein Found in Kerala

Gandhi Book with Einstein Signature: An antique collector in Manjeri, Kerala’s Malappuram district, found a rare book about Mahatma Gandhi that was published on October 2, 1944, his 75th birthday. The book Gandhi: His Life and Work profoundly reveals Gandhi’s political life and ideology.

“A leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority; a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor mastery of technical devices, but simply on the convincing power of his personality….” is the famous quote Albert Einstein wrote about Gandhi in a signed message included in the book. Perhaps future generations will find it hard to comprehend that someone like her ever lived on this planet.

After reviewing the book, P. Sivadasan, a history professor at Calicut University, noted that many people knew the Gandhi quotation, but not everyone knew Einstein was the source. Dr. Sivadasan stated, “This unique document explains where the quote came from.”

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Einstein sent his signed statement from Princeton University in New Jersey for inclusion in the book, which Gandhi approved for publication. The book states that Krishnalal Shridharani, an Indian poet-journalist in New York, secured Einstein’s message for publication. It features essays from prominent individuals, Pearl S. Buck, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahadev Desai, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, G.A. Natesan, Minoo Masani, Humayun Kabir, and Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, who shared their thoughts on Gandhi’s life and legacy.

Gandhi: His Life and Work Printed Copies:

The publication brought fame to the book’s publisher, Karnatak Publishing House in Bombay. Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar headed the editorial team that compiled the volume. Navajeevan Press, Ahmedabad, and Karnatak Publishing House collaborated to produce only 1,500 copies. Gandhi approved the book and wrote its introduction. The publishers intended the earnings to support the underprivileged. Gandhi himself wrote, “The proceeds from its sale will be added to the purse that will be given to me for Daridranarayan.”