The book Vivekananda: The Man and His Message was originally a section within the comprehensive four-volume biography, The Life of Swami Vivekananda, authored by his Eastern and Western disciples between 1914 and 1918. Although highly acclaimed for its accuracy and detail, the original work’s massive size—roughly 1,700 pages—limited its accessibility.

To reach a wider audience, an abridged version was released in 1933. However, due to reader demand for deeper insights, the publisher later restored omitted material and included new discoveries. This specific volume focuses on the Swami’s multifaceted personality as a monk, teacher, and philosopher. Compiled from direct accounts by disciples who knew him intimately, the book serves as an authoritative, soul-stirring study of the "patriot-saint of modern India."