Tantine: The Life of Josephine MacLeod, Friend of Swami Vivekananda
The wealthy American Josephine Macleod (1858- 1949) was called Tantine which means Aunty. She became a follower of Swami Vivekananda. upon hearing him talk in 1895 in New York City. She travelled with him in America, Europe and India and introduced the Swami to influential people. Swami Vivekananda wrote, “I simply adore Joe (Josephine Macleod) in her tact and quiet way. She is a feminine statesman or woman. She can wield a kingdom. I have seldom seen such strong yet good common sense in a human being.” This biography is not for newcomers to Vedanta because of the many names and relationships that are not explained. This is not a formal history but through Tantine's life glimpses of the Vedanta movement in India, (for example, relations between Belur Math and the British authorities) and her “tours of inspection” of the Vedanta Centers in America. Many will read this book for an account of her seven years as a close companion to Swami Vivekananda (chapters 2 to 12). But the turn
Very informative, also about other westerners visiting India that time. Moreover, it's a nice read: a well written book.
Very important reading for those who wish to link Vedanta to the West...
