In which year was the book “Jinnah of Pakistan” by Stanley Wolpert first published?

The book “Jinnah of Pakistan”, written by the renowned American historian Stanley Wolpert, was first published in 1984. This publication year is significant because it marked a period when global interest in South Asian political history was rising, and Wolpert’s scholarly work provided a balanced, deeply researched, and humanized portrayal of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Prior to this book, many biographies of Jinnah either leaned heavily toward political praise or criticism. Wolpert’s approach was different—he relied on extensive archives, correspondence, speeches, and firsthand accounts to produce a work grounded in factual, neutral historical analysis.

“Jinnah of Pakistan” became widely respected for its honest depiction of Jinnah’s personal life, political evolution, leadership qualities, and his role in the creation of Pakistan. Wolpert shed light on the challenges Jinnah faced, including political negotiations, ideological struggles, and health issues, while also highlighting his unwavering determination and extraordinary diplomatic skill. One of the most famous lines associated with the book—often quoted in academic works—is Wolpert’s statement that “few individuals significantly alter the course of history; fewer still modify the map of the world… Muhammad Ali Jinnah did both.” This quote reflects the impact Jinnah had and demonstrates why the book gained such wide recognition.