A Father's GiftAugust 24, 2004 22 out of 24 found this review helpful
A number of reviewers have noted that Discovery of India and Glimpses of World History were written during the years Nehru languished in British custody for sedition and civil disobedience. What none of them, nor the publisher, have pointed out is that these books were culled from hundreds of letters that Nehru wrote to his daughter, Indira (Gandhi), then in her teens and early twenties. As a forcibly absentee father, Nehru wanted both to explain his absences and play a role in her life and upbringing. The letters were his gift to her - an indication of his love and caring and a way to educate her in his world view. If the books seem romanticized, that is why. If they seem personal, that is why. And if they seem subjective, that is also why. They were not intended for publication. These were love letters from a father to his daughter to explain the world to her and her place in it, as he saw it. They imparted to the future Prime Minister of India a sense of nationalism, love for country and a belief in democracy, as well as an intimate understanding of politics and working the levers of power. These books are far more than an intellectual exploration of Indian and world history; they were the seeds from which modern Indian history grew. A precious gift, indeed.
A personal, gentle introduction to the history of IndiaAugust 21, 2001 14 out of 16 found this review helpful
India has changed a lot since this book was written in the mid 1940s. But for an informative, entertaining narrative of Indian history from 5000 BC - 1947 AD, read this book. Mostly completed during his long stays in the prison (while working with Gandhi to free India from British rule), this book is a brilliant masterpiece. Period.
The narration tneds to be sometimes personal and sometimes subjective. The writing is excellent when you think about the author who was a lawyer and a politician. I would recommend this book to anybody trying to "figure" out India or Indians or the Indian pysche.
Excellent bookNovember 20, 2000 30 out of 32 found this review helpful
I had heard quite a bit about this book, but never had a chance to read it until very recently. I must say I was highly impressed by it. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India was a thorough intellectual. His narration of history and knowledge about India is excellent. Since he was a nationalist, and also because this book was written while he was in prison, the author's intense dislike for the British do come out oftentimes in his narration of history. However the author himself is aware of it and acknowledges it. Though western educated, Jawaharlal Nehru had an intense love and hope for India. An extremely well read man, this book while giving a very good outline of India's history and past, also serves to provide the readers with Nehru's own philosophy of life and is thus autobiographical at times. This lends it an unique flavour and makes its reading even more enjoyable. While Nehru took intense pride in India's rich heritage, he always emphasised that we cannot live in the past. His dreams and hopes for India as a forward looking, modern and tolerant nation fostering peace and co operation in the world are pretty well brought out in the book. Intensely nationalistic, he was always careful that nationalism does not degenerate into the narrow variety, the type which inevitably does more harm than good. Whether one agrees with his views or not, one can't help admiring the man and developing a respect for him. Overall this book is in many ways a very enjoyable, informative and profound read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about India.
Cool book for wise men.September 8, 1999 7 out of 11 found this review helpful
This is a cool book. Informative and also thought provoking with it's definitions ranging form Indian to what a Hindu really is. Also check out few more titles like The 100- A ranking of the most influential persons in history.
A true reflection of the Indian historyApril 27, 1999 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
The discovery of India as I see it is a true reflection of Indian history brought to the masses by Nehru in his simple language and covering every aspect of the vast Indian history.Its a master piece for a proud Indian and a perfect insight of the Indian history and culture for the entire world.
