Judith Brown explores Nehru as a figure of power and provides an assessment of his leadership at the head of a newly independent India with no tradition of democratic politics.

Introduction; Chapter 1 A Vocation to Politics; Chapter 2 Apprentice to Power: Gandhi's Heir, 1923-c. 1945; Chapter 3 The Transfer of Power: 'Tryst with Destiny'; Chapter 4 The Visionary as Prime Minister; Chapter 5 The Limits of Power; Conclusion;