This revised edition brings to a close the fascinating life story of Jayaprakash Narayan, one of the last outstanding moral and political figures who carried forward Gandhi s legacy of non-violent mass struggle and village self-sufficiency into post-Independence India. The biography vividly illustrates JP s infinite capacity for reflection and change, working relentlessly as he did for issues as varied as the freedom struggle, panchayati raj, worker s rights, and collective self-help.
Few figures in modern India have enjoyed such acclaim and adoration as Jayaprakash Narayan. And yet, he has been equally vilified for all that went wrong in the unfinished post-colonial movement for freedom and democracy. Jayaprakash Narayan, or JP as he was universally known, epitomized the Marxian and Gandhian styles of political engagement, and famously brought a powerful government to its knees. Throughout his life, he channelled an emotional hunger for transformative politics, jettisoned easy options, shunned power and incubated revolutionary ideas. A comprehensive study of JP's life and ideas-from the radicalism of his thought process at American university campuses in the 1920s to his political coming of age in the 1930s and subsequent disenchantment with Gandhi's leadership; from his infectious confidence about the future of socialism to his seemingly naive plans to outmanoeuvre powerful forces within the Congress; from his fractious friendship with Jawaharlal Nehru to his relentless crusade against the stifling of dissent-The Dream of Revolution, Bimal and Sujata Prasad's rigorously researched biography of JP, dispenses with clichés, questions commonly held perceptions and pushes the limits of what a biographical portrait is capable of. Rich in anecdotes and never-before-told stories, this book explores the ambiguities and ironies of a life lived at the barricades, and one man's unremitting quest to usher in a society based on equality and freedom.
Emperor Hirohito reigned for more than sixty years, yet we know little about him or the part he really played in the turbulent history of Showa Japan. Stephen Large draws on a wide range of Japanese and Western sources in his study of Emperor Hirohito's political role in Showa Japan (1926-89). This analysis focuses on key events in his career such as the extent to which he bore responsibility for Japanese aggression in the Pacific in 1941, and explains why Hirohito remains such a contested symbol in Japanese post war politics.
At the age of eighteen, Chad Rowan left his home in rural Hawai'i for Tokyo with visions of becoming a star athlete in Japan's national sport, sumo. But upon his arrival he was shocked less by the city crowds and the winter cold than by having to scrub toilets and answer to fifteen-year-olds who had preceded him at the sumo beya. Rowan spoke no Japanese. Of Japanese culture, he knew only what little his father, a former tour bus driver in Hawai'i, had been able to tell him as they drove to the airport. And he had never before set foot in a sumo ring. Five years later, against the backdrop of rising U.S.–Japan economic tension, Rowan became the first gaijin (non-Japanese) to advance to sumo's top rank, yokozuna. His historic promotion was more a cultural accomplishment than an athletic one, since yokozuna are expected to embody highly prized Japanese values such as hard work, patience, strength, and hinkaku, a special kind of dignity thought to be available only to Japanese. He was promoted ahead of his two main rivals, the brothers Koji and Masaru Hanada, who had been raised in the sumo beya run by their father, the former sumo great Takanohana I. Perhaps the defining moment of the gaijin's unique success occurred at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, when Rowan, chosen to personify "Japanese" to one of the largest television audiences in history, performed a sacred sumo ritual at the opening ceremony. Gaijin Yokozuna chronicles the events leading to that improbable scene at Nagano and beyond, tracing Rowan's life from his Hawai'i upbringing to his 2001 retirement ceremony. Along the way it briefly examines the careers of two Hawai'i-born sumotori who paved the way for Rowan, Jesse Kuhaulua (Takamiyama) and Salevaa Atisanoe (Konishiki). The author shares stories from family members, coaches, friends, fellow sumo competitors, and of course Rowan himself, whom he accompanied on three Japan-wide exhibition tours. The work is further informed by volumes of secondary source material on sumo, Japanese culture, and local Hawai'i culture.
Welcome to the inspiring world of "Biography of Loknayak JP" by A K Gandhi, a compelling portrait of one of India's most revered leaders and freedom fighters. Prepare to be moved by the remarkable life and legacy of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan as you journey through the pages of this insightful biography. Join A K Gandhi as he traces the extraordinary journey of Loknayak JP, from his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and his relentless pursuit of social justice and political reform. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Gandhi illuminates the life of a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of others. As you delve into the pages of "Biography of Loknayak JP," you'll discover the untold stories and lesser-known aspects of JP's life, from his early days as a student activist to his emergence as a towering figure in India's political landscape. Gandhi's insightful analysis and intimate portrayal offer readers a deeper understanding of JP's character, ideals, and enduring impact on Indian society. With its engaging narrative and rich historical detail, "Biography of Loknayak JP" brings to life the passion, courage, and conviction that defined JP's remarkable journey. From his role in the Quit India Movement to his leadership of the Bihar Movement, Gandhi chronicles the highs and lows of JP's life with sensitivity and reverence. Since its publication, "Biography of Loknayak JP" has been hailed as a definitive account of JP's life and legacy, earning acclaim for its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis. Its portrayal of JP as a man of principle and integrity continues to inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds. As you journey through the pages of "Biography of Loknayak JP," you'll be inspired by JP's unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and nonviolence in the face of adversity. Gandhi's biography serves as a testament to JP's enduring legacy and his timeless message of hope, courage, and social change. In conclusion, "Biography of Loknayak JP" is more than just a biography—it's a tribute to a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. Whether you're a student of history, a lover of biographies, or simply someone who admires courage and conviction, this book offers valuable insights into the life of one of India's greatest sons. Don't miss your chance to explore the life and legacy of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan with "Biography of Loknayak JP" by A K Gandhi. Join the countless readers who have been inspired by JP's remarkable journey and discover the enduring power of his vision and ideals. Grab your copy now and embark on a journey of inspiration, enlightenment, and transformation.
It began with a dream of mushroom clouds, and it might end that way. Exiled and disavowed by the kingdom he swore to defend, Leon Victor could have faded into obscurity and lived the normal life he always wanted. Instead he carved out a place for himself among the mercenaries of Jackal Pack, operating in the gray areas between empires and laws. With Leon's own disillusionment mounting after being left by Rachel Case, the woman he loved, he finds it more and more difficult to focus on his cruel work. Wondering if she'll return and tired of watching his colleagues die around him, his thoughts turn to retirement. But when he and his team agree to take "one last job" and find themselves at the center of a vast conspiracy, facing a mysterious enemy, they discover that there are some secrets the universe will not give up without a fight. The first book in the Mourning Star series, In Spite of All assembles a diverse and compelling cast of characters to take readers on a journey to richly developed worlds, from the halls of galactic capitals to the arid frontier planet of Eve.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize In this groundbreaking biography of the Japanese emperor Hirohito, Herbert P. Bix offers the first complete, unvarnished look at the enigmatic leader whose sixty-three-year reign ushered Japan into the modern world. Never before has the full life of this controversial figure been revealed with such clarity and vividness. Bix shows what it was like to be trained from birth for a lone position at the apex of the nation's political hierarchy and as a revered symbol of divine status. Influenced by an unusual combination of the Japanese imperial tradition and a modern scientific worldview, the young emperor gradually evolves into his preeminent role, aligning himself with the growing ultranationalist movement, perpetuating a cult of religious emperor worship, resisting attempts to curb his power, and all the while burnishing his image as a reluctant, passive monarch. Here we see Hirohito as he truly was: a man of strong will and real authority. Supported by a vast array of previously untapped primary documents, Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan is perhaps most illuminating in lifting the veil on the mythology surrounding the emperor's impact on the world stage. Focusing closely on Hirohito's interactions with his advisers and successive Japanese governments, Bix sheds new light on the causes of the China War in 1937 and the start of the Asia-Pacific War in 1941. And while conventional wisdom has had it that the nation's increasing foreign aggression was driven and maintained not by the emperor but by an elite group of Japanese militarists, the reality, as witnessed here, is quite different. Bix documents in detail the strong, decisive role Hirohito played in wartime operations, from the takeover of Manchuria in 1931 through the attack on Pearl Harbor and ultimately the fateful decision in 1945 to accede to an unconditional surrender. In fact, the emperor stubbornly prolonged the war effort and then used the horrifying bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, together with the Soviet entrance into the war, as his exit strategy from a no-win situation. From the moment of capitulation, we see how American and Japanese leaders moved to justify the retention of Hirohito as emperor by whitewashing his wartime role and reshaping the historical consciousness of the Japanese people. The key to this strategy was Hirohito's alliance with General MacArthur, who helped him maintain his stature and shed his militaristic image, while MacArthur used the emperor as a figurehead to assist him in converting Japan into a peaceful nation. Their partnership ensured that the emperor's image would loom large over the postwar years and later decades, as Japan began to make its way in the modern age and struggled -- as it still does -- to come to terms with its past. Until the very end of a career that embodied the conflicting aims of Japan's development as a nation, Hirohito remained preoccupied with politics and with his place in history. Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan provides the definitive account of his rich life and legacy. Meticulously researched and utterly engaging, this book is proof that the history of twentieth-century Japan cannot be understood apart from the life of its most remarkable and enduring leader.
Popular Indian Leaders Biographies: BIOGRAPHY OF LOKNAYAK JP/Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Biography Of A Saintly Scientist/THE LIFE AND TIMES OF VEER SAVARKAR by A.K. Gandhi: This collection of biographies delves into the lives of three iconic Indian leaders who have left a profound impact on the nation's history and society. From the inspiring journey of Loknayak JP, the visionary leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to the life and times of Veer Savarkar, these books offer valuable insights into the contributions and legacies of these exceptional leaders. Key Aspects of the Book "Popular Indian Leaders Biographies: BIOGRAPHY OF LOKNAYAK JP/Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Biography Of A Saintly Scientist/THE LIFE AND TIMES OF VEER SAVARKAR": Biography of Loknayak JP: The book chronicles the life of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, a prominent leader in India's independence movement and later a key figure in the fight against the emergency. It portrays his unwavering commitment to democracy and social justice. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Biography Of A Saintly Scientist: This biography highlights the life and achievements of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the revered scientist, and former President of India. It delves into his immense contributions to the fields of science and technology, as well as his inspiring leadership and vision for the nation. The Life and Times of Veer Savarkar: The book provides an in-depth account of the life of Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary freedom fighter and prominent political leader. It explores his nationalist ideology and role in India's struggle for independence. A.K. Gandhi is an acclaimed biographer and historian, known for his extensive research and writings on Indian leaders and historical figures. His dedication to preserving and narrating the lives of these iconic leaders shines through in this collection of biographies.
This Combo Collection (Set of 3 Books) includes All-time Bestseller Books. This anthology contains: The Life and Times of Deshbandhu Chittranjan Das The Life and Times of Jayaprakash Narayan The Life and Times of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
