GANDHI TO TOLSTOY

4 April 1910

Johannesburg

Dear Sir,

You will recollect my having carried on correspondence with you whilst I was temporarily in London. As a humble follower of yours, I send you herewith a booklet which I have written. It is my own translation of a Gujarati writing. Curiously enough, the original writing has been confiscated by the Government of India. I, therefore, hastened the above publication of the translation. I am most anxious not to worry you, but, if your health permits it and if you can find the time to go through the booklet, needless to say I shall value very highly your criticism of the writing. I am sending also a few copies of your Letter to a Hindoo, which you authorised me to publish. It has been translated into one of the Indian languages also.

I am,

Your obedient servant,

M. K. Gandhi.

(Source: CW 10: 210)

TOLSTOY TO GANDHI

8 May 1910

Yasnaya Polyana

Dear Friend,

I just received your letter and your book Indian Home Rule.

I read your book with great interest because I think that the question you treat in it – the passive resistance – is a question of the greatest importance not only for India but for the whole humanity.

I could not find your former letters, but came across your biography by J. Doss [Doke] which too interested me much deeply and gave me the possibility to know and understand you better.