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Jinnah: Creator of Pakistan
‘Mr Bolitho has written a most readable and vivid sketch, in his familiar style, of the character and career of the creator of Pakistan. He has collected anecdotes and assessments from a large number of Mr Jinnah’s colleagues and acquaintances, and he has strung them together very skilfully upon an outline of the domestic events of Mr Jinnah’s life and of the great political events in which he played so dominant a part.’
—Tablet, 5 February 1955
‘In his Jinnah Hector Bolitho has written his best book for many years—a direct, unpretentious biography of the man whose single and unswerving determination primarily created Pakistan and who…accepted the sacrifices entailed without demur.’
—Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1954
‘By the test of sheer achievement, Mohammed Ali Jinnah must be reckoned as one of the most dynamic and successful political leaders thrown up by the present century. It has fallen to Mr Bolitho to write the first full-scale biography of this remarkable man, and he has done it very successfully.’ —The Economist, 4 January 1955 ‘He has taken the greatest care to check his facts, and to take the opinions at first hand of Jinnah’s contemporaries. The result is a fascinating biography packed with incident and anecdote, which does not forget the magnitude and the growth of Jinnah—a biography that is eminently readable.’
—Nottingham Journal, 1 February 1956
—Tablet, 5 February 1955
‘In his Jinnah Hector Bolitho has written his best book for many years—a direct, unpretentious biography of the man whose single and unswerving determination primarily created Pakistan and who…accepted the sacrifices entailed without demur.’
—Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1954
‘By the test of sheer achievement, Mohammed Ali Jinnah must be reckoned as one of the most dynamic and successful political leaders thrown up by the present century. It has fallen to Mr Bolitho to write the first full-scale biography of this remarkable man, and he has done it very successfully.’ —The Economist, 4 January 1955 ‘He has taken the greatest care to check his facts, and to take the opinions at first hand of Jinnah’s contemporaries. The result is a fascinating biography packed with incident and anecdote, which does not forget the magnitude and the growth of Jinnah—a biography that is eminently readable.’
—Nottingham Journal, 1 February 1956
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
Hector Bolitho
136 books12 followers(Henry) Hector Bolitho was a New Zealand author, novelist and biographer.
Widely-travelled, he journeyed in the South Sea Islands in 1919 and then through New Zealand with the Prince of Wales in 1920. He travelled in Africa, Australia, Canada, America, and Germany in 1923-4, finally settling in Britain where he was to remain for the rest of his life.
On his arrival in Britain he worked as a freelance journalist. At the start of World War II he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as an intelligence officer with the rank of squadron leader, editing the Royal Air Force Weekly Bulletin, which in 1941 became the Royal Air Force Journal. In 1942 he was appointed editor of the Coastal Command Intelligence Review.
He had 59 books published.
Widely-travelled, he journeyed in the South Sea Islands in 1919 and then through New Zealand with the Prince of Wales in 1920. He travelled in Africa, Australia, Canada, America, and Germany in 1923-4, finally settling in Britain where he was to remain for the rest of his life.
On his arrival in Britain he worked as a freelance journalist. At the start of World War II he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as an intelligence officer with the rank of squadron leader, editing the Royal Air Force Weekly Bulletin, which in 1941 became the Royal Air Force Journal. In 1942 he was appointed editor of the Coastal Command Intelligence Review.
He had 59 books published.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 9, 2022
FAILURE IS A WORD UNKNOWN TO ME.
(Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
Hector Bolitho intelligently describes the life events of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his magnificent book "Jinnah: Creator of Pakistan" . This is one of the most authentic books ever written on the Quaid's life. In this book, Hector Bolitho beautifully presents the life stories of M.A Jinnah and his struggle for his career as a lawyer, efforts in getting freedom of India from the British rulers, ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity and last but not least, his struggle for the creation of Pakistan. This book gives the readers, a glimpse of his life since childhood in Karachi to his journey to England for higher studies, from his struggle for freedom of India to become the First Governor General of Pakistan. An awesome story of the great man, who had not only changed the course of history and map of the world but he had built a nation of his own struggle, determination and strong will power .He is the most influential political figure of the twentieth century in South Asia.
Here is a brief overview of some of incidents from the book about Jinnah's life.
BROTHERHOOD IN KARACHI
When Muhammad Ali Jinnah lived with Fatima Bai,who was one of his relatives. She told a story about Jinnah in her own words.
At night, when the children were sleeping, he would stand a sheet of cardboard against the oil lamp, to shield the eyes of the children from the light. Then he would read, and read. One night I (Fatima Bai) went to him (Jinnah) and said, "You will make yourself ill from so much study," and he answered, "Bai, you know I cannot achieve anything in life unless I work hard." (Pg. 2-3)
A STUDENT IN LONDON
In an address to the Karachi Bar Association, in 1947, Jinnah recalled, 'I joined Lincoln's Inn because there, on the main entrance, the name of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was included in the list of the great law-givers of the world.' He spoke of Muhammad (PBUH) as 'a great statesman, and a great sovereign.' (Pg. 7)
THE YOUNG ADVOCATE
'There was a well-known businessman, Haji Abdul Karim, who had to appear in Court on a serious charge. He went to Jinnah and asked him how much it would cost to take up the case. Jinnah answered bluntly, "Five hundred rupees a day".'
'The businessman was cautious and he asked, "How long will the case go on? I have five thousand rupees with me. Will you accept this to cover the whole of your fees?" '
'Jinnah answered, "I am not prepared to accept the amount. Five hundred rupees a day is my fee, and you must engage me on these terms or find another lawyer".'
'Abdul Karim accepted the terms, and Jinnah won the case, in three days. He accepted his fee of fifteen hundred rupees with good grace. '
(Pg. 18)
1940:PAKISTAN
What is the meaning of Pakistan?
Pakistan is both a Persian and Urdu word. It is composed of letters taken from the names of all our homelands—'Indian' and 'Asian'. That is, Punjab, Afghania (North West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Iran, Sindh(including Kutch and Kathiawar),Tukharistan, Afghanistan, and Balochistan. It means the land of the Paks—the spiritually pure and clean. It symbolizes the religious beliefs and ethnical stocks of our people; and it stands for all the territorial consistents of our original Fatherland.
(From Pakistan, Choudhry Rahmat Ali)
1947: PARTITION
At the Delhi session of the Muslim League in 1943, he had said of Pakistan,
FLIGHT INTO KARACHI
On the Presidential Address he was to give to the Constitution Assembly of Pakistan, on 11 August. On that day he said to his people:
This is all about this great personality and his work, devotion and honesty with the nation. I highly recommend this book to all.
(Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
Hector Bolitho intelligently describes the life events of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his magnificent book "Jinnah: Creator of Pakistan" . This is one of the most authentic books ever written on the Quaid's life. In this book, Hector Bolitho beautifully presents the life stories of M.A Jinnah and his struggle for his career as a lawyer, efforts in getting freedom of India from the British rulers, ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity and last but not least, his struggle for the creation of Pakistan. This book gives the readers, a glimpse of his life since childhood in Karachi to his journey to England for higher studies, from his struggle for freedom of India to become the First Governor General of Pakistan. An awesome story of the great man, who had not only changed the course of history and map of the world but he had built a nation of his own struggle, determination and strong will power .He is the most influential political figure of the twentieth century in South Asia.
Here is a brief overview of some of incidents from the book about Jinnah's life.
BROTHERHOOD IN KARACHI
When Muhammad Ali Jinnah lived with Fatima Bai,who was one of his relatives. She told a story about Jinnah in her own words.
At night, when the children were sleeping, he would stand a sheet of cardboard against the oil lamp, to shield the eyes of the children from the light. Then he would read, and read. One night I (Fatima Bai) went to him (Jinnah) and said, "You will make yourself ill from so much study," and he answered, "Bai, you know I cannot achieve anything in life unless I work hard." (Pg. 2-3)
A STUDENT IN LONDON
In an address to the Karachi Bar Association, in 1947, Jinnah recalled, 'I joined Lincoln's Inn because there, on the main entrance, the name of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was included in the list of the great law-givers of the world.' He spoke of Muhammad (PBUH) as 'a great statesman, and a great sovereign.' (Pg. 7)
THE YOUNG ADVOCATE
'There was a well-known businessman, Haji Abdul Karim, who had to appear in Court on a serious charge. He went to Jinnah and asked him how much it would cost to take up the case. Jinnah answered bluntly, "Five hundred rupees a day".'
'The businessman was cautious and he asked, "How long will the case go on? I have five thousand rupees with me. Will you accept this to cover the whole of your fees?" '
'Jinnah answered, "I am not prepared to accept the amount. Five hundred rupees a day is my fee, and you must engage me on these terms or find another lawyer".'
'Abdul Karim accepted the terms, and Jinnah won the case, in three days. He accepted his fee of fifteen hundred rupees with good grace. '
(Pg. 18)
1940:PAKISTAN
What is the meaning of Pakistan?
Pakistan is both a Persian and Urdu word. It is composed of letters taken from the names of all our homelands—'Indian' and 'Asian'. That is, Punjab, Afghania (North West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Iran, Sindh(including Kutch and Kathiawar),Tukharistan, Afghanistan, and Balochistan. It means the land of the Paks—the spiritually pure and clean. It symbolizes the religious beliefs and ethnical stocks of our people; and it stands for all the territorial consistents of our original Fatherland.
(From Pakistan, Choudhry Rahmat Ali)
1947: PARTITION
At the Delhi session of the Muslim League in 1943, he had said of Pakistan,
"It may come in my lifetime, or not. You will remember these words of mine: I say this with no ill-will or offense. Some nations have killed millions of each other, and yet an enemy of today is a friend of tomorrow. That is history."
FLIGHT INTO KARACHI
On the Presidential Address he was to give to the Constitution Assembly of Pakistan, on 11 August. On that day he said to his people:
"You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State.... Now, I think we should keep that in front of us as our ideal, and you will find that in course of time, Hindus would cease to be Hindus, and Muslims would cease to be Muslims, not in the religious sense, because that is the personal faith of each individual, but in the political sense as citizens of the State. "
(Pg. 176)
This is all about this great personality and his work, devotion and honesty with the nation. I highly recommend this book to all.
May 19, 2020
In Pakistan,Muhammad Ali Jinnah always has,and always will remain a revered figure.Had there been no Jinnah,there probably would have been no Pakistan.(The Second World War helped too,hastening the departure of the British).
In Pakistan,he is remembered,and referred to as the Quaid-e-Azam (great leader).Not that he wanted any titles,he was happy to be referred to as plain Mr.Jinnah.
But I have generally found that he has been portrayed negatively in history by writers from other countries,particularly compared to how flatteringly Gandhi has often been portrayed.
This biography of Mr.Jinnah was first published a few years after his death.It was the best book on him at the time,and remained so for many years.
The author was able to interview many people who knew Pakistan's founder.He was thus able to collect a number of anecdotes and personal impressions,which liven up the narrative.
It is not as dry a book as the subsequent biography by Stanley Wolpert,who had to rely mainly on secondary sources.His political journey and the evolution of his political thought is discussed in detail,all the way to the attainment of Pakistan,which seemed an impossible dream for a long time.
Also included are his unhappy marriage,the assassination attempt,the challenges after Pakistan's creation and his final illness.It is a fine effort by Hector Bolitho,which helps towards a better understanding of the enigmatic figure of Pakistan's Quaid-e-Azam.
In Pakistan,he is remembered,and referred to as the Quaid-e-Azam (great leader).Not that he wanted any titles,he was happy to be referred to as plain Mr.Jinnah.
But I have generally found that he has been portrayed negatively in history by writers from other countries,particularly compared to how flatteringly Gandhi has often been portrayed.
This biography of Mr.Jinnah was first published a few years after his death.It was the best book on him at the time,and remained so for many years.
The author was able to interview many people who knew Pakistan's founder.He was thus able to collect a number of anecdotes and personal impressions,which liven up the narrative.
It is not as dry a book as the subsequent biography by Stanley Wolpert,who had to rely mainly on secondary sources.His political journey and the evolution of his political thought is discussed in detail,all the way to the attainment of Pakistan,which seemed an impossible dream for a long time.
Also included are his unhappy marriage,the assassination attempt,the challenges after Pakistan's creation and his final illness.It is a fine effort by Hector Bolitho,which helps towards a better understanding of the enigmatic figure of Pakistan's Quaid-e-Azam.
February 27, 2020
Hector Bolitho has done a tremendous job telling the story of great commanding Muslim Leader who was largely responsible for the creation of Pakistan. He has comprehended all the aspects of Jinnah's life, mostly professional and political, with anecdotes from his personal life here and there. Noteworthy is the detailing the author had undertaken; by interviewing the people who have seen Jinnah very closely, and worked with him. Written in a lucid and entertaining way, this biography is definitely worth reading.
October 7, 2019
Jinnah came from a lower-middle-class family, he studied hard and worked with passion to make his fame and fortune, a reputation based on integrity. Integrity which came for his high regard for the law, his honesty, his professionalism which enamored him with all the religious communities equally. He was a Muslim lawyer, one of the very few in the community of Parsis and Hindus who labored at his briefs, day night. Slim as a reed, always frowning, always in a hurry. There was never a whisper of gossip about his private habits. He was a hard-working, celibate, and not very gracious young man. Much too serious to attract friends. A figure like that
invites criticism, especially in the lazy East, where we find it easier to forgive a man for his faults than for his virtues.
The book should have focussed on Jinnah's personality only, but the author digresses into a longish explanation of history which was unnecessary to the main theme of the book. The book never the less does give some unique insights into Jinnah's personality which makes this book unique.
invites criticism, especially in the lazy East, where we find it easier to forgive a man for his faults than for his virtues.
The book should have focussed on Jinnah's personality only, but the author digresses into a longish explanation of history which was unnecessary to the main theme of the book. The book never the less does give some unique insights into Jinnah's personality which makes this book unique.
October 6, 2014
I wonder what Pakistan would have been like, had this man lived for 10more years..
All we need now is someone as sincere and honest as he was..
All we need now is someone as sincere and honest as he was..
February 1, 2016
Exceptional book about an exceptional personality who changed the course of history of subcontinent.
June 26, 2020
The author has done an excellent job as perhaps this is the only authentic biography of Jinnah. From childhood to sailing to England, from graduation to a successful law career, from the entrance in politics to the making of Pakistan, you will find each tiny detail of his life that you might not have read in your course books. The factors which make this book authentic are references to books/newspapers and live interactions with Jinnah's relatives and colleagues. Biography is so well explained in words that you can actually visualize in your mind like a video.
October 27, 2015
This book contains a lot of information about what Jinnah thought, what he said, and what others said about him. He was a man of steel, a man who would bow to no one, and would never stoop below his standards and principles, if that made him cold and calculated, fine, at least he had fiber. Jinnah was much deeper, i believe, a man who refused treatment for chronic tuberculosis, cause he believed that the Muslims would never get their homeland, if he was viewed as weak, therefore he kept on going, steadfast, strong, like a locomotive, and in the end he died for it. No one knows the real Jinnah, but many have formed opinions based on 'stories' with no real truth behind them. A fascinating book that elucidates the life of Jinnah without any prejudices and preconceived notions. Bolitho has enlightened his leadership caliber and strength of his character, will power and vision. Great book to know more about Jinnah.
August 9, 2010
A masterly book on the creator of pakistan
January 1, 2013
Excellent book worth reading.....in fact most authentic book on Jinnah....
August 23, 2013
Fantastic read. Bolitho's narrative was informative and precise. I was able to know about the great man, Jinnah, as he was. The ending moved me.
March 6, 2017
A great leader, a great human
February 22, 2020
He has taken the greatest care to check his facts, and to take the opinions at first hand of Jinnah’s contemporaries.
October 7, 2019
Jinnah- the Creator of Pakistan - Hector Bolitho is the official biography of M A Jinnah. It is based on interviews with contemporary important personalities who had interacted with Jinnah. Documents relating to Jinnah were in the possession of Miss Fatima Jinnah and these were not provided to the author. Highlights about Jinnah's life are that first he got proper education, called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn, return to India, sound legal career, safe and bright fortune then he entered politics. He remained Private Secretary to Dadabhai Naoroji, MP. He remained in Gopal Krishna Gokhale and was impressed by him. In one chapter, it has been informed that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan established Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College, Aligarh with the object that only education might find the way to freedom and peace for Muslims. Idea of separate state for Muslims originated here. Jinnah became a member of the Viceroys Council and was re-appointed for second term. He married Rattenbai Petit. I read Roses in December- autobiography M C Chagla where an incident of death of Rattenbai has been mentioned. From 1921 to 1928, Jinnah remained inactive from politics and paid more attention to legal practice. Liaquat Ali Khan convinced him to return to politics and lead the agitation for separate Muslim state . The turning point about separate state for Muslims came up when Congress leaders were in Jail from 1940 to 1942, here Muslim league strengthened its hold during this period. The rest is history. It is a good reference Book.
Currently reading
April 25, 2010It's a brief history of Jinnah's struggle for muslim's rights in India and struggle for Pakistan.
May 23, 2010
It's a brief history of Jinnah's struggle for muslim's rights in India and for Pakistan.
November 7, 2017
Long story short :
A man with integrity and strong believe in constitutional methods.
A man with integrity and strong believe in constitutional methods.
October 19, 2025
1. Jinnah was born in a middle class Muslim family in 1876, later he was sent to England to persue his higher education.
2. After returning to India as a barrister, he quickly became one of the top lawyers in Bombay. He entered to the politics through the Indian National Congress.
3. Jinnah Participated in Cripps Mission (1942), Simla Conference (1945), and Cabinet Mission (1946).
Jinnah tacked economic strains; refugee crisis and had a second marriage in 1918.
Finally we see,
1. This book is one of the earliest autobiography of Ms. Ali Jinnah.
2. This book traces his early life in Pakistan; legal career in Bombay and his education in London.
3. This shows his political journey, his membership of the Indian National Congress standing up for Hindu- Muslim Unity, followed by becoming the leader of the Muslim League.
2. After returning to India as a barrister, he quickly became one of the top lawyers in Bombay. He entered to the politics through the Indian National Congress.
3. Jinnah Participated in Cripps Mission (1942), Simla Conference (1945), and Cabinet Mission (1946).
Jinnah tacked economic strains; refugee crisis and had a second marriage in 1918.
Finally we see,
1. This book is one of the earliest autobiography of Ms. Ali Jinnah.
2. This book traces his early life in Pakistan; legal career in Bombay and his education in London.
3. This shows his political journey, his membership of the Indian National Congress standing up for Hindu- Muslim Unity, followed by becoming the leader of the Muslim League.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2022
Easy to read and very good bood. It keeps you invloved and presents the life of M.A Jinnah in a form of story. The book never lets you get bored. It was written about 70 years ago and thats what makes it even more interesting becasue all the events were fresh back then.
After reading this book I realised that I did not know much about Jinnah before. You read his quotes and references but this book puts them in a context.
It is also a great book for finding motivation.
After reading this book I realised that I did not know much about Jinnah before. You read his quotes and references but this book puts them in a context.
It is also a great book for finding motivation.
October 26, 2018
Beautiful read about Quaid. I read it first in Urdu in my school days. Makes me understand more about his personality as a politician , lawyer and in particular as a human with deep seated hollowness and social solitude. I feel proud him the way he worked all his life and in particular in his last few years with crippling chronic illness . May Allah bless his soul.
August 6, 2020
An excellent character study. However, it doesn't go into too much depth in terms of his Politics
November 2, 2020
If you want to read an extensive biography, of a prolific leader. This is it.
April 2, 2022
He is my Jinnah. He is our Jinnah. He is the creator of Pakistan. No other words supercede him.
January 30, 2023
A short and precise biography of a great visionary leader.
May 13, 2023
Jinnah was a great man!
Pakistani nation owe him a lot
Pakistani nation owe him a lot
Want to read
October 7, 2024i am trying but can't open it.
August 29, 2015
The end was saddest for me.. a man unknown to sentiments lost hope to live to get hurt of his people....
March 13, 2024
More like a fiction novel than a memoir. I’d prefer Stanley’s version anytime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews