Thomas Weber's 2004 book comprises a series of biographical reflections about people who influenced Gandhi and those who were in turn influenced by him. Whilst previous literature tended to focus on Gandhi's political legacy Weber's book explores the spiritual social and philosophical resonances of these relationships and it is with these aspects of the Mahatma's life in mind that the author selects his central protagonists. These include friends such as Henry Polak and Hermann Kallenbach who are not as well known as those usually cited but who left a deep impression nevertheless and motivated some of Gandhi's major life changes. Conversely the work of luminaries such as E.F. Schumacher and Gene Sharp reveal the Mahatma's influence in arenas which are not traditionally associated with his thinking. Weber's book offers intriguing insights into the life and thought of one of the most significant figures of the twentieth century

1. Introduction; 2. Gandhi influenced; 3. Henry Polak and the setting up of Phoenix settlement; 4. Hermann Kallenbach and the move to Tolstoy Farm; 5. Maganlal Gandhi and the decision to leave Sabarmati; 6. Jamnalal Bajaj and the move to Sevagram; 7. The top of the hourglass: Gandhi influenced; 8. Gandhi's influence; 9. Arne Naess: the ecological movement finds depth; 10. Johan Galtung: peace research moves beyond war; 11. E. F. Schumacher: economics as if people mattered; 12. Gene Sharp: nonviolent activism becomes a political method; 13. The bottom of the hourglass: Gandhi's influence.