The book Glimpses of Great Lives is a collection of articles profiling extraordinary individuals whose lives exemplify the "finest flowering of humanity." The book aims to provide readers with inspiration, purpose, and "recipes for better living" amidst a world of confusion.

The compiled articles were originally published between 1966 and 1989 in various Indian periodicals, such as Prabuddha Bharata and Vedanta Keshari. The author highlights that most pieces were written before his move to the U.S.A. and credits Swami Swahananda for encouraging the publication.