<i>The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian</i> is an astonishing work of self-discovery and the revelation of a peerless and provocative sensibility. Describing his childhood in the Bengali countryside and his youth in Calcutta&#8212;and telling the story of modern India from his own fiercely independent viewpoint&#8212;Chaudhuri fashions a book of deep conviction, charm, and intimacy that is also a masterpiece of the writer's art.