PUBLICATIONS Inside Illinois Vol. 26, No. 17, April 5, 2007

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"Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, his People and an Empire," by Rajmohan Gandhi (Penguin Books India/2007)

Story of Mohatma Gandhi told by his grandson
A candid re-creation of one of the most influential lives of recent times, “Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, His People and an Empire” (Penguin Books India/2007) answers questions long asked about Mohandis Gandhi (known around the world as Mahatma Gandhi), the timid youth from India who became a century’s conscience and led his nation to liberty. What was Gandhi like in his daily life and in his closest relationships? How did he handle his face-offs with an empire, with his own bitterly divided people, with his adversaries, his family and – his greatest confrontation – with himself?

Answering these and other questions, and releasing the true Gandhi from his shroud of fame and myth, “Mohandas” does more than tell a story. The book is written by Rajmohan Gandhi, a practiced biographer who also is Gandhi’s grandson.

Rajmohan Gandhi, a UI professor in International Programs and Studies, told the Arab Times the book about his grandfather was different than others because “it is a complete and chronological biography which is completely candid … other biographies have focused on some aspects of his life, invariably eliminating other aspects.”

The book swings between glory and tragedy and the profusion and richness of its characters. “Mohandas” tells the great history of an Asian nation’s interaction with a European empire.
The historical account addresses today’s issues as well. After the violence the world has witnessed in recent times, the world awaits the reconciliation between Muslims and non-Muslims, which constituted one of the compelling passions of Gandhi’s life.

“The book will tell the reader the truth … and it will show the depth of his resilience and his stamina, despite being tested time and time again,” Rajmohan Gandhi said.

The book, although not being sold in the U.S., is available at the Illini Union Book Store.
–Source: Penguin Books India

"Archaeological Site Museums in Latin America," by Helaine Silverman (University Press of Florida/2006)

Latin American archaeological sites explored
Some of the greatest archaeological sites in the world are found in Latin America, and archaeological tourism is widely touted as a solution to the poverty that plagues much of this region. Site museums are playing an important role in the presentation of these finds to the public.

Whether created by national agencies, by the archaeologists working at these sites, or in response to local people’s awareness of the potential development and economic benefits of tourism, site museums are major educational venues, promoting a sense of ownership of the past among resident or nearby populations, as well as greater local interest in cultural heritage and its preservation. At the same time, they constitute a major heritage management strategy; they can mitigate looting and site destruction, thereby serving as a first line of defense in site preservation.

“Archaeological Site Museums in Latin America,” by UI anthropology professor Helaine Silverman, is the first edited volume to address the creation of archaeological site museums, a complicated process on many levels.

Case studies by 13 contributors make for a “how to,” “what to expect,” and “what not to” primer. Nine of the authors have built or rehabilitated site museums and/or created a development project at one.
This handbook for archaeologists and heritage managers can readily be incorporated into museum, heritage, and ethics courses, and actual field strategies.

“Archaeologists everywhere, as well as government officials and community leaders interested in having a local site museum, will find this collection inspiring, full of practical ideas and potential pitfalls, and containing lots of tough questions to ponder, and maybe even resolve,” said Karen D. Vitelli of Indiana University.

– Source: University Press of Florida

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