The biography of Mohandas Gandhi was written by author and reporter Louis Fischer. Fischer was an American foreign correspondent during the 1940's. He visited Gandhi in 1942 and 1946 which gave him the somewhat unique advantage of meeting and knowing the historic figure of whom he would be writing a biography. On his two visits with Gandhi, Fischer stayed four days each time allowing him to become familiar with Gandhi's daily schedule and rituals, his interaction with family and friends and his keen sense of humor.