The First and Last freedom was first bought out in 1954 by a British publisher in response to demands from all over the world for a comprehensive book on J Krishnamurti’s teachings. The value of the book was enhanced with Aldous Huxley writing a masterly Foreword.

The book falls into two parts: Krishnamurti’s reflections on life, and answers to questions put to him by his audiences. It covers a wide range of themes, from boredom and gossip to self-knowledge and God, and this provides a good starting point for those wishing to familiarize themselves with his teachings.