It is a holistic, at once compelling account of a saint-reformer of modem Kerala: Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928). Veritably a versatile genius: a sage, philosopher, poet and social revolutionary, all rolled into one, Gurudeva was a perfect human being who, like Svami Ramakrsna Paramahathsa, created new tracts of his own in the realms of Indian philosophy. And invested temporal life, in any form, with an air of spirituality about him — as is reflected, for instance, in his crusades against caste discriminations in Kerala or in his larger concerns with peace, universal brotherhood and coexistence. Dr Jayakumar's profile of this great guru focuses on his life, historical background, sociocultural milieu, spirituality, philosophy, poetic genius, social reforms, humour, legacy and all else that one would possibly want to know about Sree Narayana Guru. Markedly different from the so far published studies on him, this book becomes the first ever to incorporate the English versions of Narayana Guru's verses in both Malayalam and Sanskrit, together with their streamlined annotations and lucidly-written, insightful discussions, which, in turn, also bring out Jayakumar's remarkable critical acumen in highlighting the essential meaning, philosophical import and spiritual intensity of Gurudeva's poetry. A work of epical grandeur, developed from years of the author's serious, persevered research, the book reconstructs not just the life-story of a legendary saint, but also the entire scenario of his activity. A scholar, researcher and litterateur of wide repute, Vijayalayam Jayakumar, PhD, had an association with the Malayalam Lexican Department of Kerala University, and later with Oriental Research Institute. Currently, he is Director, Sree Narayanaguru Research Centre, Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram. His creative writing in both prose and verse has appeared in about forty books, including the two fictional works. One of these novels, Kunti-Atmadugham Ente Sugham, has already been translated into English, under the title Delight in Distress.