Page:Great Thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi.pdf/13

Anthologies have always been favourite companions in the world of books and it is likely that their popularity will continue to exist always. They really satisfy an ever present desire in the human mind to know the best that has been thought and said. Especially is that the case in an age, like the present, of bustle and crowded hurry when one would like if possible to get the best reading in the shortest space of time. One therefore certainly appreciates the excellent idea of this book wherein is made an attempt—an initial attempt—to get together in short compass some of the best and most note worthy passages from the writings of Mahatma Gandhi.

There have been several great writers whose works have benefited by considerable excision and abridgment. We know for example that Matthew Arnold strongly