Pulitzer Prize General Non Fiction Winner

Gandhi's Truth

by Erik H. Erikson

Summary

A psychoanalyst examines the life of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on the origins of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. It is a fascinating blend of biography, history, and psychological theory.

Historical Context & Significance

Erikson invented the term "identity crisis." In this book, he applied psychoanalysis to history (psychohistory) to understand how Gandhi's personal life shaped his political power.