An inspiration to Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, and other leaders of the civil rights movement, Howard Thurman was a crucial figure in the advancement of African Americans in the 20th century. Until now, however, he has not received the full biographical treatment he deserves. In Against the Hounds of Hell, Thurman scholar Peter Eisenstadt offers a fascinating exploration of the life of this great religious thinker and activist. The first significant African American pacifist, Thurman was the first African American to meet Mahatma Gandhi. An early and outspoken feminist, environmentalist, and advocate for social and economic justice, he was one of the first and most insistent mid-20th century proponents of racial integration. At the same time, he was a key figure in the emergence of mysticism and "spirituality" as an alternative to formal religion. Against the Hounds of Hell will at last establish this multifaceted historical personage as a leading figure of 20th century American politics, religion, and culture.