GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) Indian Political and Spiritual Leader during the Indian Independence Movement.

Book signed, a hardback edition of Gandhiji - His Life and Work, published by Keshav Bhikaji Dhawale, Bombay, November 1945 (Popular Impression Unabridged). The book, which was originally published in October 1944 in recognition of Gandhi's 75th Birthday, is boldly signed by Gandhi in dark fountain pen ink with both his English ('M. K. Gandhi') and Hindustani forms of signature to the attractively illustrated half title page. English text and with numerous illustrations (some of them colour plates) and bound in printed boards and with a cloth spine. Lacking the dust jacket. Spine somewhat loose and with some slight overall age wear, otherwise about VG

Provenance: The present book is accompanied by a typed statement signed by a previous owner stating that the book was acquired by and signed for his late aunt, Ruth Coe Manchester. Manchester had sailed to India on 18th December 1919 to take up a position as a teacher at the Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow (now a part of the University of Lucknow). Manchester, a great admirer of Gandhi, remained teaching in India until the late 1940s when she returned to her native America. She died in 1982 and the book, regarded as one of Manchester's prize possessions, passed down the family. In 1987 John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) Canadian-American Economist & Dipolmat, United States Ambassador to India 1961-63, was invited to sign the book. His bold black ink signature ('John Kenneth Galbraith, 1987 - Ambassador to India, 1961-1963') appears to the blank recto of the illustrated frontispiece. Also included with the lot is a copy of an article relating to Ruth Coe Manchester and her time in India.

Unofficially labelled the Father of the Nation, Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.