From Amazon.com: "These Reminiscences were written and published by the author in his fiftieth year, shortly before he started on a trip to Europe and America in 1912 for his failing health. We are taken into his very bosom, and are permitted to watch the processes of the development of his mental spiritual natures, and thus acquire such understanding and ability to appreciate his writings. If there are those who are at a loss to interpret for themselves the meaning of Rabindranath's poems, dramas, and essays, they are advised to read this most interesting volume. It will serve as a key to and an illumination of his other works. Illustrated."