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Customer Reviews (2)

"Nelson Mandela Declares He Is No Saint".
This is a rather very interesting & personal book, composed of Nelson Mandela's vast archive material in the form of letters, papers, conversations, interviews & speeches/recordings he made/written while in Robben Island as a prisoner, after his release from prison & when he was the first democratic elected President of South Africa and the book is titled "Conversations With Myself". It has been put together by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, dedicated to his grand-daughter who died in a car accident in June this year during Fifa Soccer World Cup 2010 & is foreworded by President Barack Obama.

The book outlines Nelson Mandela's views among others on leadership & as well as his fallability as a human being : he was quite 'anxious/uncomfortable' while in Robben Island that he was being regarded/portrayed as a Saint by some followers/quarters. He does not however regard himself as a Saint even though his definition of a "Saint is a sinner who keeps on trying/repenting"!

This book is an excellent read because of a diversity of material contained : it's not like a story with a plot or narrative thread. Thus this book can be studied in bits/chunks as you wish with ease without loosing 'the flow' of the book. Some of his letters/speeches reflected/presented in this book are in Nelson Mandela's own handwriting, making this book rather very personal & special (collectable). This book, "Nelson Mandela : Conversations With Myself", is a highly recommended reading from one of the most famous prisoners in the world, known for his fight for human rights (Nobel Peace Prize Winner), reconciliation & a humble personality (and hence his declaration as no Saint).

Mandela The Man
"Conversations With Myself" is a unique book. It is an intuitively organized compilation of excerpts from the notebooks and diaries Mandela kept while imprisoned for 27 years, personal files, correspondence, presidential speeches, interview transcripts, and the unpublished sequel to his autobiography. It is a snapshot in time, beginning before his incarceration in 1963 and ending after the post-apartheid transition period of the 1990's.

The intimacy provided by these most personal of documents is truly special. Readers will connect with Mandela not only on an intellectual basis but also on a deeply emotional level. This is Mandela the prisoner, the parent, the husband, and the president.

It is important to keep in mind that this book is an archive.It may seem somewhat disjointed if compared to narrative books. There are some draft letters, incomplete outlines, thought fragments, and journal snippets.This is the nature of an archive, and though it is well-edited, this book may take some getting used to.

Instead of one or two sections of photos in the middle of the book, readers will find copies of some of the actual source documents, mostly written in Mandela's own hand, every few pages.Several useful appendices are included: a timeline, maps, a list of abbreviations, and list of "People, Places, and Events" which I found to be indispensable.

The publisher, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, offers a brief reading group guide on their website at fsgbooks (dot com).Even readers who are unable to participate in a group discussion like myself are likely to find this resource to be quite helpful.

"Conversations With Myself" is the perfect companion volume to Mandela's critically-acclaimed 1994 autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela : With Connections (HRW Library)" Those studying Mandela may want to start with "Long Walk To Freedom" since it begins with his childhood and covers his life up until the time he became president.

For casual readers, no prerequisite reading is necessary to enjoy this book. This is a story born out of confinement but never lonely; a tale of some sorrow but not despair; a message not of apathy but of hope. Mandela's amazing resiliency is one of the constant factors in this story. ... Read more

Product Description
An international hero, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and leader of South Africa's antiapartheid movement chronicles his life, including his tribal years, his time spent in prison, and his return to lead his people. 175,000 first printing. Major ad/promo.Amazon.com Review
The famously taciturn South African president reveals much of himself in Long Walk to Freedom. A good deal of this autobiography was written secretly while Mandela was imprisoned for 27 yearson Robben Island by South Africa's apartheid regime. Among the book's interesting revelations isMandela's ambivalence toward his lifetime of devotion to public works. It cost him two marriages and kept him distant from a family life he might otherwise have cherished. Long Walk to Freedom also discloses a strong andgenerous spirit that refused to be broken under the most trying circumstances--a spirit in whichjust about everybody can find something to admire. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (157)

Excellent
Honestly written and it helps one see what made him the Man for the Hour.

Excellent Chronicle
Nelson Mandela has become an icon of human freedom throughout the world. His intelligence, astute awareness of human nature,perseverence and sheer determination to stand against the "enemy" of injustice and cruelty is an example for all of mankind. His autobiography is an excellent chronicle of his life, his aspirations for his country and his sacrifice to attain those aspirations. I have come to admire Mr. Mandela all the more through his book. While I do not necessarily agree with all of his philosophies and ideas, I found myself rethinking some of mine. This is a thought provoking read.

An AMAZING life
Nelson Mandella "writes", unlike some so called authors who fill pages up to make readers think there is some substance...
After watching the movie Invictus, I was compelled to find out more about this man's influence in the destruction of Apartheid in So. Africa.Wow! Would you edure as much as he and come out of prison after so many years as HE? I respect Nelson even more.

Online Order
I received the product quiet fast. It was in great condition (Brand New) and had no issues with the paying and receiving the item

A Beautiful Man
I've always had a great admiration for Nelson Mandela, but have only known the very basics about his life and political career. Whenever I saw him on TV I was always captivated by the man who had ruled a nation, yet seemed so grounded and modest that I could only respect him. I have to admit that up to the point of reading this book I was totally ignorant to the extremities of apartheid in South Africa for which Mr. Mandela had given his entire life to beating. I have now read these wonderful memoirs in their entirety and must say my admiration and respect for the man has increased to a level I genuinely cannot describe. Having an interest in history, this was undoubtedly a book that I had to read at some point, but up until this point I had, in my mind, placed the struggle against apartheid along the same lines as the civil rights movement in the United States; but I have now come to realise that, although there are similarities, there are a lot more differences.

One of the most glaring differences between the two, which Mr. Mandela touched upon in his memoirs, was that in the United States the black population were guaranteed equal rights through their constitution but simply had these taken away from them by the racist political elites, whereas in South Africa, there was legislation and laws forbidding equality to the black majority of the country and this helps distinguish very clearly the route Mr. Mandela had to take in beating apartheid. I'm not going to say much about the story itself as it's one to be read and enjoyed first hand, but I will give my impressions on Mr. Mandela which were gained purely from reading his memoirs. I gained the impression that he has always been aware he's not perfect, nor is he one that thinks he's always right. He is a man that shows respect to every person he meets, but he won't shy away from an argument or a battle when he is attacked either verbally or physically. He's a man of reflection and integrity; he will look back on a past decision and say honestly whether it was the right or wrong call of the time. He's a man who has a lot of love and respect for all of his family, political friends and his country. He has given all of his life in the pursuit of freedom for his country, and he deserves out respect for that.

He has a remarkable story to tell and it would be a shame if anyone who read this review or at some point had seen this book whilst browsing and skipped past it without even considering what they could learn. I've now an enormous appreciation for the fight which Mr. Mandela put up against the immense oppression of the South African government; and perhaps it has a greater message to send. The message we can all take from this is that, no matter how big the government or how powerful the oppression, the strength of human will and desire can truly overcome any obstacle thrown at it. Mr. Mandela also expresses a very strong message about there being goodness in all of us, no matter how much we try to hide it. He shows compassion towards those who were once his enemies as he realises that they are all good people at heart, and it is him and those like him that must teach those in the world whose job it is to hate, exactly how much better it is to love your enemy.

Beautiful life story of a beautiful man. You must own this book. ... Read more

Product Description
We long for heroes and have too few. Nelson Mandela, who recently celebrated his ninety-first birthday, is the closest thing the world has to a secular saint. He liber­ated a country from a system of violent prejudice and helped unite oppressor and oppressed in a way that had never been done before.

Now Richard Stengel, the editor of Time maga­zine, has distilled countless hours of intimate conver­sation with Mandela into fifteen essential life lessons. For nearly three years, including the critical period when Mandela moved South Africa toward the first democratic elections in its history, Stengel collaborated with Mandela on his autobiography and traveled with him everywhere. Eating with him, watching him campaign, hearing him think out loud, Stengel came to know all the different sides of this complex man and became a cherished friend and colleague.

In Mandela’s Way, Stengel recounts the moments in which “the grandfather of South Africa” was tested and shares the wisdom he learned: why courage is more than the absence of fear, why we should keep our rivals close, why the answer is not always either/or but often “both,” how important it is for each of us to find something away from the world that gives us pleasure and satisfaction—our own garden. Woven into these life lessons are remarkable stories—of Mandela’s child­hood as the protégé of a tribal king, of his early days as a freedom fighter, of the twenty-seven-year imprison­ment that could not break him, and of his new and fulfilling marriage at the age of eighty.

This compact book is profoundly inspiring. It captures the spirit of this extraordinary man—warrior, martyr, husband, statesman, and moral leader—and spurs us to look within ourselves, reconsider the things we take for granted, and contemplate the legacy we’ll leave behind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

excellent follow-up to Mandela's autobiography
I loved this book.I forgot entirely about the 15 life lessons. I just wanted to read more about Mandela, the man.I was not disappointed.I believe this book tells more about Mandela the man, than even his autobiography. The two books go very well together. It is too bad that Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela could not have drawn strength from each other.Mandela did not see, or believe,divine intervention in his own life, according to the author.I read divine intervention into every aspect of his very great life.Wow!

Excellent insight and reminder....
I picked this up thinking it would be a really helpful refresher after a particularly difficult period at work - and it was!If leaders and managers managed to implement, even inconsistently, the lesssons in this book our workplaces would be much happier places, despite the fact there is little really new here.Not that that matters one bit - its still a really good read and provides old material in a really refreshing way with its annecdotes and stories of Mandela's life.The reader comes away with real insight into this superb, imperfect leader. For the first time ever, I had an underlying sense of envy of Richard Stengel who had such unfettered access to Mandela over such a long period of time.What an honour.I still marvel at how Mandela could come out of 27 years of incarceration so relatively psychologically intact and adjust so well to late 20th and 21st century life, without chronic bitterness.Stengel has done an admirable job in capturing not just important leadership lessons and the leadership nature of the man, but the nature of the man for posterity.Highly recommended.

Too long
It is a okey book but it is to long and there are too much stuff about the author. He is too selfcentered.

Mandela's Great, this Book not so Much
Who better to teach lessons on successful living than Nelson Mandela?So this book couldn't go wrong, right? Unfortunately wrong.There just didn't seem to be much depth to the book which surprised me.It isn't a bad book, just average and I was glad that I read it.It followed the self improvement formula that we have come to expect.

Honest, balanced portrayal to great Man's life principles.
I picked up this not knowing much about Nelson Mandela after being suggested in the book of the week on a popular current affairs show on TV. The book turned out to be an amazing read, kind of what I was looking for, it mostly talks about Nelson Mandela's leadership qualities and how he picked them up besides some personal ones. The is a kind of a bridge between authors earlier work with Nelson Mandela while he did his autobiography and principles tactics that he follows to be a good leader. Most of it seems to come from notes, journals, interviews, interactions, time he spend with him over a few years on the autograph project. The world knows how a great leader, person Nelson Mandela is but what this book captures is that he's just like any other person with normal fears, aspirations, pressures, the books captures the principles he follows to keep him going through and succeed all with illustrated anecdotes from Mandela's life. Some of these lessons and good common sense values are very helpful can also applied to day to day life not just political leadership. The book is extremely simple in presentation most importantly honest, balanced with foibles in portrayal, easy to read. A must read for any body wanting to know Nelson Mandela's life principles he formatted during the course of his struggle to end apartheid and in turn become a leader in a very concise book. ... Read more

Product Description
"A treasure for everyone in thefamily."--BillCosbyNelson Mandela's Favorite AfricanFolktales is a cause forcelebration, landmark work that gathers in one volume many of Africa's mostcherished folktales.Mandela, a Nobel Laureate for Peace,has selected these thirty-two tales with the specific hope that Africa'soldest stories, as well as afew new ones, be perpetuated by futuregenerations and be appreciated by childrenthroughout the world. Inthese "beloved stories,morsels rich with the gritty essence of Africa," we meet, among many others, aKenyan lion named Simba, a snake with sevenheads and atrickster from Zulu folklore; we hear the voices of the scheming hyena andlearnfrom a Khoi fable howanimals acquired their tails and horns. Several creation myths tell ushow the land, its animals, and itspeople allcame intoexistence under a punishing sun or against the backdrop of a spectacularlybeautiful mountainlandscape. Whether warningchildren about the dangers of disobedience or demonstrating that the underdogcan--and oftendoes--win,these stories, through their depictionof wise animals as well as evil monsters,are "universal in theirportrayal of humanity,beasts,and the mystical." What isparticularly exciting about this book is that many of the stories, in theiroral form, are almost as old as Africa itself. Most of themwere, in fact, first told in various African tongues around evening fires incenturiespast--talesfrom, for example, the San and theKhoi, the original hunter-gatherers and livestock herders of Southern Africa. Translatedinto Englishand other European languages chieflyin the nineteenth and twentieth centuries fromtheir original languages--bethey Karanga, Nguni,Xhosa, orone of many others--these folktales are a testament to the craft of storytellingandthe power of myth.Accompanied by dozens ofenchanting, specially commissioned color paintings, Nelson Mandela'sFavorite AfricanFolktales--culled from African countries as far-flung as Morocco,Nigeria, Uganda, andKenya--presents a fountain of precious knowledge that will be treasured bychildren, aswell as adults, foryears to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A Collection to Treasure
A wonderful collection of stories told in a rich assortment of familiar and unfamiliar voices, beautifully put together.This is an audio book to treasure.

Stories are good!
Stories are always a good thing. Diversity too. Hearing tales from other lands helps us to learn more about each other. I shared this set with my niece and two nephews ages 5 to 8 yrs old. They loved it too. Truthfully, the real reason why I made this purchase is because of Alan Rickman. He's one of my favorite actors/voices. I could find only one story read by him, but it was well worth it.

Great Stories for a Great Cause
I was moved by the fund raising effort support for HIV AIDS orphans in South Africa, familiar and admiring of the story collection released some years ago, I was delighted to listen through the entire collection. The blend of music and voice, brilliantly realized by a host of talented talents "Artists for a New South Africa", brings these stories alive!Libraries (like mine) and individuals will appreciate each and every track in this 3 CD set that is up for Grammy nomination.

Rating the CDs
We've given the audio book and the book as gifts to a number of people, and they've raved about it. I haven't heard every one of the readings but the ones I've listened to are superbly done.Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), which produced the three CD audio book, assembled a distinguished cast that included (among many others)Desmond Tutu, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Samuel Jackson, Alan Rickman, Charlize Theron and Don Cheadle-- and had music composed and played by one of South Africa's leading musicians and sung by South Africa's best-known singer.The tales are collected from all over Africa, and they will interest adults as well as children. It's a wonderful present for Christmas or Hannukah or for a child's birthday. And, Hachette, the producer is giving the proceeds to ANSA and Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund which will use the money mainly to help AIDS orphans.

An all-star narration cast...
An all-star narration cast helps bring to life Nobel Peace laureate Nelson Mandela's collection of short stories that create a patchwork of legends drawn from all over the African continent, In one story, the children of an East African village must destroy a beautiful and enchanting bird that has brought bad luck to the surrounding countryside. In one story, a brave girl frees a prince from the spell that made him a python. From [...] ... Read more

Product Description
A personal memoir of the first black president of South Africa records every stage in his life, including his efforts as an anti-apartheid activist, years as a political prisoner, and receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Book, Excellent Seller!
I bought this book for my father as a gift, and he has literally NOT put it down since he received it!He loves the amazing narrative, as told by Mandela himself, and the outstanding pictures throughout the book bring the story to even more vivid life.I literally just had a two hour conversation with my Dad about everything he's read in this book about Mandela's life, and it was only one of many talks we've had since he received the book.I am so glad I got this for him.You will not be sorry purchasing one for the history/world events fan in your life.Item arrived in pristine condition in a timely way from this excellent seller.

Mandela: a portrait of integrity

This book recounts the life of Nelson Mandela beginning in childhood up to the present age. It is written by Mandela himself - it's honest, straightforward style seems to be an honest attempt by Mandela to portray himself objectively, avoiding the tendency to be self-serving.

A fascinating book. It begins with Mandela in his young childhood living in a pre-industrial society of native Africans in the countryside of South Africa where white settlers have dominated industrialized society. It is an engaging society, - perhaps more advanced than our own - as one must reconsider what it means to live in harmony and in cooperation; A true democracy, based on the ideals that all are equal.

Mandela undergoes culture shock when he runs away from his traditional homeland to seek his fortunes in the big city of Johannesberg. Here is encounters white society up close, and is mortified at the inequity that exists between the native blacks, and the immigrant whites that make every attempt to dominate their country and exploit its indigenous peoples.

Mandela encounters a small group of educated, free-thinking educated blacks, and joins the African National Congress. Here he encounters several other oppressed peoples: Indians, Communists, and liberal whites. He slowly makes his life's objective to be a freedom fighter. A fighter for civil rights for all people. A life of struggle, where one must be willing to pay the ultimate price. And he nearly does.

He becomes the inspiration for downtrodden average black citizen, nearly enslaved within their own country. He willingly faces grave danger, is tried several times for his political ideals, denounced as "treason" and is eventually sent to prison "for life."

Mandela's life in prison is austere. But he and his colleagues never yield in their commitment to freedom for all South Africans. His wife, Winnie is an example of true dedication - equally a woman of integrity and worthy of the highest praise. She undergoes severe hardships being married to a "freedom fighter."

Mandela avoids the tendency to give up in the face of severe conditions, showing true mettle as he remains dedicated to the rights for all people to live free in racist South Africa. 27 years later having risked his life and surviving harsh prison conditions, he emerges a national hero.

A must read for anyone - Mandela is history in the making. ... Read more

Product Description

Nelson Mandela was born into a royal family, attended elite schools, became a lawyer, and could have settled into a comfortable life as a member of South Africa's black middle class. But his sense of dignity and injustice was fierce, and he dedicated himself to the struggle for freedom and democracy. He paid a heavy price for his choice, often putting his life in danger and spending 27 years in prison, away from his family, barely knowing his children. Guided by a deep pragmatism, he evolved into one of the greatest leaders in modern history, a man who inspired and uplifted the world. His story offers valuable lessons for leaders everywhere.

Customer Reviews (2)

Interesting enough but read like a high school student's report
This is a very easy read that gives you a glimpse into the life and times of Nelson Mandela.It's a good snapshot for people like me who basically new nothing about the man and very little about what he actually did.Still, I felt like I was reading a 9th graders report on the man.It was very conversational and sounded a lot like restating what the writer read else where.

Great read and teaches a lot about leadership
I really got involved with this book and loved it. It is a great tool to learn about Mandela's life, but it is also great for leaders. It teaches great ways for any person to evolve into a leader. It will show you how to look at your own life and transform your everyday into becoming a leader. Anyone could read this and learn great asspects of being a leader. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of some of the most historic and inspirational addresses by one of the most renowned political leaders of our day.

The most stirring voice to come out of South Africa, Nelson Mandela has brought his message of freedom, equality, and human dignity to the entire world. Now, for the first time, his most eloquent and important speeches are collected in a single volume.

From the eve of his imprisonment to his release 27 years later, from his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize to his election as South Africas first black president, these speeches span some of the most pivotal moments of Mandelas life and of his countrys history. And they memorably illustrate his lasting commitment to freedom and reconciliation, democracy and development, culture and diversity, and international peace.

The extraordinary power of this volume is in the moving words and intimate tone of Mandela himself, a living legend and one of the most articulate, courageous, and respected men of our generation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Worthy Collection ofThoughts and Vision
IN HIS OWN WORDS is perfect reading for history buffs. There are 545 pages of speeches, addresses and statements of Nelson Mandela. When you read this collection of words by Mr. Mandela, you come away with a better understanding of this man who has dedicated his life to his belief of freedom and equality.

Nelson Mandela is a prolific writer as well as a gifted speaker. There are twelve chapters in IN HIS OWN WORDS. Because of its length, I suggest that you read this book by first reading the topics that most interest you. I started with Education, Health and Culture and was moved by Nelson Mandela's compassion and his tenacity to remain focused in his one man crusade for democracy for all people. As someone who enjoys reading about history, I read the remaining chapters over several weeks and found them to be fascinating. Very much worth reading.

Vannie(~.~)
Work & Family @ BellaOnline.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/Site/workandfamily

legendary speeches
Rebeccasreads highly recommends IN HIS OWN WORDS for those who have ever wondered how this man moved generations of people to agitate for civil rights. Settle down with this big, big book & relive the ideas that inspired us, & get a rare glimpse of the heroes from another time & another place.

Because these are public speeches, there will be repetition - relax & let the words flow over you. & while most of us won't notice it, what we read from the book in no way indicates the timbre, cadence & nuances of the spoken word, so it would have been a wonderful completion had a DVD sound recording of one or two of Nelson Mandela's speeches been included.

The extraordinary power of IN HIS OWN WORDS is in, once again, hearing legend's way of expressing himself, who, along with Mahatma Gandhi & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of the most articulate, courageous, & respected men of our time. The list of people who contributed their impressions is extraordinary, & illustrates how deeply Nelson Mandela changed our lives & our world.

fine compilation
This is a compilation of Nelson Mandela's speeches divided into twelve categories that run a diverse classification.The topics run the gamut of historical: "Struggle" "Freedom", "Reconciliation", "Nation Building" and "Development"; social: "Education", "Culture", "Religion", "Health" and "Children"; Cross sectional: "Heroes" and "Peace".The collection provides a one source to obtain the works of a key twentieth century person, but like any of these IN HIS OWN WORDS is repetitive and at times boring.Unless needed for a school assignment, this biographical oratory is best savored over several weeks as Mr. Mandela through his words show why he remains an inspirational influential individual whose speeches provide a deep insight into the man, the legend, and an era of transition.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description
The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, LONG WALK TO FREEDOM brilliantly recreates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. From his imprisonment on Robben Island to his remarkable journey to freedom and inauguration as President this book describes Mandela's frustrations and strength of heart as well as the overwhelming joy of freedom and power. Emotive and compelling, it completes the story of an epic life.'Burns with the luminosity of faith in the invincible nature of human hope and dignity ...Unforgettable' ANDRE BRINK'Enthralling ...Mandela emulates the few great political leaders such as Lincoln and Gandhi, who go beyond mere consensus and move out ahead of their followers to break new ground' Donald Woods in the SUNDAY TIMES ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

amazing story
I thought I knew the story of apartheid.I believe everyone should read this book.Amazing convictions and courage!27 years in prison!I remember being in college and signing petitions re: free Mandela.Apartheid was bad, so I signed. If only Ihad known the whole story back then! I revisited this story, as I had read it once before.Once "Mandela's Ways" came out, I wanted to refresh my memory.Wow!The 2 books go together so very well!

More than a man.
This man has lived a remarkable life. this book describes some of the many struggles it took for him to become the man and the leader of a nation that he became. it is a must read, he is the real thing.

Delivered at promised
"Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela" by Nelson Mandela, arrived as advertised, very good condition packed safely in a bubble-pak.The book looks as if it was read only once by a person that respects books.I would recommend purchasing from the seller and would myself buy from them in the future.

Best Autobiography I've read
Not only a great historical fount of information, but a surprising look at Mandela the human being.Couple this with the fact that it is such a page turner that it is agonizing to walk away from and you've got the best book I've read in years.

every one should read this book
one of the 5 best books i've read. nelson mandela may be the most courageous leader of my lifetime. like MLK, he showed great courage and inspired millions. like ghandi, he changed his country and the course of history. i thought i knew the story of aparthied but i knew very little. pls read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, "Long Walk to Freedom" recreates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. From his beginning in the Transkei to his being taken to Robben Island, this is the story of how a man rose so far, only to be sentenced to life imprisonment. Emotive and compelling, it is the story of an epic life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

an amazing book! a must read for everyone :)
a fantasticly writen book in which Mr Mandela tells us about the stuggles of the apartheid. truly a must read for all! ... Read more

Product Description
The fantastic, heroic life of NelsonMandela, brought to life in this landmarkgraphic work.Nelson Mandela’s memoir, Long Road toFreedom, electrified the world in 1994 with the story of a solitary man who, despiteunbelievable hardships, brought down one of themost-despised regimes in the world. Fifteenyears after the publication of that classic work comes this fully authorized graphic biography,which relays in picture form the life story ofthe world’s greatest moral and politicalhero—from his boyhood in a small South Africanvillage to his growing political activism withthe ANC, his twenty-seven-year incarceration asprisoner 46664 on Robben Island, his dramaticrelease, and his triumphant years as presidentof South Africa. With new interviews, firsthandaccounts, and archival material that has onlyrecently been uncovered, this visually dramaticbiography promises to introduce Mandela’sgripping story to a whole new generation ofreaders.

Customer Reviews (1)

Nelson Mandela; The Authorized Comic Book
//Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book// retells Nelson Mandela's autobiography, //Long Walk to Freedom//, in the graphic novel form. The illustrations created by Umlando Wezithombe help provide a visual counterpart to the constant struggle of President Mandela's life story. We begin by following the dispossession of the Mandela family at the whim of the apartheid state decree. Mandela's birth name Rolihlahla, literally "troublemaker," rings true as he educates both himself and other black South Africans about the disparity forced upon them through the practices of the dominant apartheid government. Employing the African National Congress to demonstrate through non-violent means initially, Mandela was ultimately incarcerated for 27 years because of the ANC's decision to use violent sabotage as a necessary tactic. Upon his release from Robben Island the ANC was reinstated as a political party and Mandela was elected President in 1991. The comic form of this story is an appeal to the youth education market of the U.S., as well asan attempt to gain international recognition for a story of strength, discipline, and honesty. The difficulty of this particular work is recognized in both its shortcomings and triumphs as these attributes are highlighted in a form so heavily associated with hyperbole and manipulation.

Reviewed by Joe Atkins ... Read more

Product Description
Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has dedicated his life to fighting racism, segregation, oppression, and exploitation¿and championing democracy, equality, and education.

Mandela: The Authorized Portrait celebrates the courage, determination, and remarkable humanity of a great man and chronicles his extraordinary contribution to humankind.

Much of the story in Mandela: The Authorized Portrait is told by those whose very lives he has touched. Drawing on 60 original and extensive interviews with family members, close friends, colleagues, and many of the world's leading figures in politics and entertainment, Mandela: The Authorized Portrait tells the inspirational story of an incredible man¿from his birth and early childhood in rural South Africa and his involvement with and eventual leadership of the African National Congress through his 27-year imprisonment and eventual emergence as one of the world's notable leaders and most active agents for change.

This richly designed portrait features a foreword by former U.S. president Bill Clinton and an introduction by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is illustrated with 250 images and features material taken from private collections as well as the Nelson Mandela Foundation archive¿some of it published here for the first time. Mandela: The Authorized Portrait features artifacts and facsimiles of Mandela's voluminous writings and correspondence¿written records of his negotiations with the prison authorities, intimate letters to his family and friends during his imprisonment, and material from Mandela's personal diaries and calendars.

Mandela: The Authorized Portrait is one of the most lavishly illustrated and comprehensive tributes to Nelson Mandela's life and work ever produced. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Undelivered Product
unfortunately i have never received this order to date. I was actually refunded the money. The rating does not reflect the product rate per say but the fact that i did not receive my order

Excellent
This wonderful book gives a well-rounded view of Nelson Mandela, his country and times. There is a chronological biography, many pictures including copies of letters, etc. plus remembrances from people in his life so you can see Mandela from a variety of viewpoints and often glimpse personal moments that go so far to make up a real individual. I came away richer in understanding Mandela and his impact on the world, clearer in my knowledge of South Africa and amazed at the difference one courageous person can make. The size and weight of the book made me savor it rather than racing through it.

Lots of information about Mandela
PROS: The author spent a great deal of time collecting data in a perfectionist manner. Although this book was a bit over my head, I must admit I was highly impressed with the author's acute attention to detail. No stone was left unturned, so to speak. Scanned photocopies of handwritten letters from Mandela himself.

If you're studying Mandela for research purposes, then this is probably the most comprehensive tell-all guide ever made.

CONS: The extensive vocabulary was over my head. The background history felt textbookish. I didn't feel like I got to know Mr. Mandela at all. And yet, this contains almost everything there is to know about the man. I suppose it's my fault for not having a stronger reading comprehension, but many pages throughout the book were so hard to read that I skimmed over most of it. Mr. Mandela's handwriting was almost impossible for me to read.

All in all, I personally consider this more of a REFERENCE guide rather than an autobiography. This is great if one enjoys finding treasure within obscure details within Mr. Mandela's own handwritten letters.

A Beacon of Promise in a Troubled Continent
Nelson Mandela stands as a Beacon in South Africa, Africa, and the rest of the world as an example of what a political leader should be. Not only was he largely responsible for the 'one person one vote' changes in South Africa, but then after he was elected president he served one term and retired. This is very un-politician like. Especially in the third world politicians seem to stay in office until they die. Then again, there was FDR in this country.

This is a splendid book. It is profusely illustrated, and not quite a biography so much as a tribute. There are dozens of comments, interviews, documents from the time, historical reports and so on that record his struggle.

Mandela did marvelous things, great things. I wonder though what will be the story of South Africa after he and his legacy are gone. There are political movements afoot there who preach that the whites should all be kicked out, that their property should be confiscated, and that South Africa will be like the rest of Africa in poverty and misery. ... Read more

Product Description
Nelson Mandela, who emerged from twenty-six years of political imprisonment to lead South Africa out of apartheid and into democracy, is perhaps the world's most admired leader, a man whose life has been led with exemplary courage and inspired conviction.

Now Anthony Sampson, who has known Mandela since 1951 and has been a close observer of South Africa's political life for the last fifty years, has produced the first authorized biography, the most informed and comprehensive portrait to date of a man whose dazzling image has been difficult to penetrate. With unprecedented access to Mandela's private papers (including his prison memoir, long thought to have been lost), meticulous research, and hundreds of interviews--from Mandela himself to prison warders on Robben Island, from Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo to Winnie Mandela and F. W. de Klerk, and many others intimately connected to Mandela's story--Sampson has composed an enlightening and necessary story of the man behind the myth.Amazon.com Review
British journalist Anthony Sampson first met Nelson Mandela in1951, when Sampson was editing a black magazine in Johannesburg, andhis biography of the leader benefits greatly from his long familiaritywith South Africa and his access to the 81-year-old statesman'sunpublished letters and documents. These are particularly helpful inchronicling Mandela's political and spiritual odyssey during 27 yearsin prison, when the fiery anti-apartheid militant condemned to lifeimprisonment in 1964 evolved into a dignified, authoritative leaderconvinced that "reconciliation would be essential to survival." Theroots of this stance lie deep in African history; Sampson's excellentchapters on Mandela's rural youth remind readers that he was thearistocratic scion of a royal family who early imbibed the tribaltradition of ubuntu (mutual responsibility and compassion) andthe local king's emphasis on ruling by consensus. South Africa'srelatively peaceful transition to multiracial democracy owes much toMandela's ability to voice these concepts in contemporary terms. AndSampson's detailed explication of the ins and outs of revolutionarypolitics over five decades--though sometimes heavy going for thegeneral reader--vividly reveals how his subject achieved the politicaland moral maturity that made his 1994 election as the nation's firstblack president both inevitable and exhilarating. --Wendy Smith ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great biography
Anthony Sampson's "Mandela" is one of the best biographies ever written! This book, together with Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom," should be read by every person alive.

Mandela's life and actions give us hope that the humankind can do better. He shows the path of peace and hope instead of hatred and revenge.

Amazing life of imprisonment to leadership!
What an amazing life this man had.He was born on the rural plains in South Africa..His father was absent due to forced circumstances.Mandela later received an education in law and began the practice of law. Political causes led to his imprisonment for nearly thirty years in Robbins Prison. The book tells the wrenching tale of his separation of his family during his imprisonment, yet the family(the second marriage, to Winnie) remained intact during his long imprisonment and only dissolved after the release from prison. The book isvery heavy on the political activity in whch Mandela was involved.This is an interesting book of personal triumph over overwhelming odds.

More than you ever wanted to know ..
The author obviously knows a great deal about Mandela and South Africa.However, there is so much detail that I found the book just deadening over time.The writing style was not engaging enough to sustain me through allthe blow-by-blow accounts that one has to plod through .-I was surprisedand disappointed that the book was not more enjoyable.

A well-told education in character and leadership.
If you believe there are no modern heroes - that fortitude and unselfish judgement in the face of adversity are out-of-date virtues, you need to read this book.That Sampson shows the whole man so well (with admittedlya few frailities) addsdepth to the tremendous courage, excellentjudgement, and magnanimity Mandela demonstrated his entire life, even whenthe cause of the ANC he led seemed hopeless.Along the way the book givesan excellent view of South African history during Mandela's adulthood.Ifyou are not very familiar with Mandela or South Africa you might do betterto start with Mandela's own book, "Long Walk to Freedom" whichdoesn't cover quite so much ground and is more on a human scale.Bothbooks are inspiring.

A very good introduction to a deep man
If you need to know Nelson Mandela, this is the book to read. This book's weaknesses are evident: It is written from a British viewpoint, and basically takes for granted a knowledge of South African history andgeography most Americans do not possess (though they should). It also softpedals the problems in Mandela's relationship with Winnie, though that isunderstandable. I have a feeling that not too many people could understandit. But it does a great job of making us see how the man was shaped andbecame what he is, and how he stands as a fearless, remarkable leader. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Dr. C. K. Ekeke
The book was in excellent condition.My kids loved it.Thank you very much for fast postage and delivery.

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Nelson Mandela, born into South Africa's Thembu tribe to a chief who taught him bravery and a wise mother who taught him kindness, learned at an early age that white people ruled the country and controlled virtually all the wealth. Named Rolihlahla, or "troublemaker", Mandela grew up in an extended family that believed in the power of education, and he ultimately completed a bachelor's degree and studied law. True to his moniker, Mandela did stir up plenty of trouble in his decades-long struggle to end South Africa's oppressive system of racial apartheid.

Angry that the country's institutionalized form of discrimination left most black people living in poverty while whites enjoyed a comfortable standard of living, Mandela and his collaborators formed the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, and they organized numerous non-violent protests. When the government responded with violence in 1960, the ANC's strategy became more drastic, leading just a few years later to the arrest of several ANC leaders, including Mandela. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, more than half of which he served at Robben Island under very basic conditions that involved hard labor and virtually no contact with the outside world.

Following growing international pressure, the South African government finally released Mandela from prison in 1990. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and a year later became South Africa's President in the country's first multiracial election. As an abridged version of Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom makes these incredible events accessible to younger readers in an engaging and interesting way. The book's publication coincides nicely with the United Nation's announcement of Mandela Day and the movie industry's release of a major motion picture about Mandela.

This is an excellent portrait of a man who stood up for his beliefs, despite the heavy personal cost!
Roilihlahla was born in South Africa during a time when it was "ruled by white people only."His father, a Thembu chief, unknowingly gave him a name in Xhosa which meant "troublemaker."It was if it were a prophetic name, but he never could have known the troubles and triumphs that lay in front of this small happy child.When his father died when he was nine-years-old he went to live with his father's friend, Chief Jongintaba.He was not alone because hehad Justice, Chief's son, and they "became best friends."Education was important and Nelson, as he became known in school, went to Fort Hare, "a university for black students in the Eastern Cape."Nelson Mandela was a young man of promise, but no one really knew how important he would be to the world.

He met a fellow student named Oliver Tambo, a young man who would play a critical role in his life.He left the University before he graduated because he stood up for his beliefs.When Uncle Jongi picked out wives for him and Justice they fled to Johannesburg.No love, no wife, but adventure interested them.There he found love and a family, but Evelyn and Nelson "soon parted" ways.Oliver and Nelson set up a law firm in 1950.In 1948 the "government started passing laws that introduced apartheid, which divided black and white people into separate groups."Nelson began to move in a direction no black had ever taken.It was a path that would compromise his own freedom and safety, but was he bold enough to continue on a path that could change the world?

This marvelous book is an abridgement of his autobiography, "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." It was so well done it ended up being one of those types of books that makes me want to rush to the end and when I get there I end up wishing there were more to the story.I feel that any young person who is interested in Mandela may wish to read the unabridged version after getting a taste through this top notch abridgement.The watercolors, which graced practically every page, were very appealing and leant a lot to this autobiography.In the front here is a photograph of Nelson and a brief introduction.In the back of the book is a timeline, and a glossary.This is an excellent portrait of a man who stood up for his beliefs, despite the heavy personal cost. ... Read more

Product Description
Striking in appearance--six foot four and physically imposing--with an aristocratic bearing and incredible charm and self-assurance, Nelson Mandela is the greatest African leader in modern history, an iconic figure the world over.
Now, in this new and highly revealing biography, Tom Lodge draws on a wide range of original sources to uncover a host of fresh insights about the shaping of Mandela's personality and public persona, from his childhood days and early activism, through his twenty-seven years of imprisonment, to his presidency of the new South Africa. The book follows Mandela from his education at two elite Methodist boarding schools to his role as a moderating but powerful force in the African National Congress. Throughout, Lodge emphasizes the crucial interplay between Mandela's public career and his private world, revealing how Mandela drew moral and political strength from encounters in which everyday courtesy and even generosity softened conflict. Indeed, the lessons Mandela learned as a child about the importance of defeating ones opponents without dishonoring them were deeply engrained. They shaped a politics of grace and honor that was probably the only approach that could have enabled South Africa's relatively peaceful transition to democracy.
Here then is a penetrating look at one of the most celebrated political figures of our time, illuminating a pivotal moment in recent world history.

"Authoritative and fair-minded...deserves to be read widely."
--Adam Roberts, The Economist

"A fascinating, indeed riveting, and plausible as well as persuasive examination of why Nelson Mandela should have acquired a world following and can remain as he does an iconic figure even in the 21st century. It is certain to provoke much heated debate."
--Desmond Tutu ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A solid narrative that fails to deliver the real Mandela
Mandela, A critical life is a good biography of the man. It tells us the story of his life with enough detail to enable us to have an intelligent conversation about the subject with reasonably well informed people. I appreciated the author's ability to cover vast amounts of material without having to use huge amounts of words. It has been a few weeks since I finished the book and the main points are still with me, a good sign that the relevant material was covered well.

What is missing from the narrative are deeper dives in certain portions of Mandela's persona looking for more insights into the man; it is easily understood that much of Mandela was molded by his patrician upbringing and his flair for the British way of life. Is this all? I don't think so. There must be deeper forces that drove Mandela to choose armed rebellion; once the choice for armed rebellion was made the author fails to make a case as to why Mandela chose to risk a life in prison instead that of a freedom fighter? After all, Castro has finished demonstrating the possibilities. We all know there were significantly differences between Cuba and South Africa and that a man of Mandela's caliber and experience would have understood it? On the other hand, was Mandela's choice made due his experience, statesmanship, a lack of courage, or some other reason?

Profound But Not For Beginners
In just a little over 200 pages, "Mandela:A Critical Life" tells the story of how Nelson Mandela rose to the top of the African National Congress and emerged as an icon in South African politics.The author taught political science at Wits University, has good contacts in the ANC, and is an expert on black politics in South Africa.His book is a masterpiece of insight and compression.That said, it is not for beginners looking for straightforward biography.The text follows Mandela's life and career chronologically, but the analysis/biography ratio is high, and readers without background knowledge of 20th century South African history would be quite lost.

Excellent second book on Mandela's life.
I had read Nelson Mandela's autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom" some time ago. I was hoping to find an objective and complimentary third party analysis of his extraordinary story. I am happy to say that Tom Lodge's book provided me exactly with what I was looking for. Lodge has authored a persuasive and unbiased examination of the public and private life of one of 20th century's greatest men.

The book provides a fascinating view on the crafting of the Mandela icon by himself and those around him. It is also interesting to understand the details that Mandela has consciously chosen not to include in his autobiography, such as, for example, some of the more humiliating treatments inflicted on him by South African prison guards.

Considering the book's relatively short length, Lodge's assessment of the important events underlying Mandela's life is, in many cases, remarkably extensive, often considering the view of multiple sources from varying stand points. That being said, Mandela's political development, especially in the period of time prior to his long term imprisonment, is multifaceted and involves a large number of people and organizations. As a result, readers for whom this is an introduction to Mandela's story might be better off starting with his autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom", and reading Lodge's work as an excellent second book on this subject. ... Read more

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Perfect for book reports or summer reading, DK's acclaimed Biography series tackles two of history's most inspiring human rights figures: Mohandas Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Nelson Mandela biography
This book is okay but lacks a lot of needed detail. Compared to what they teach in school it is much better. The text books my grandkids bring home don't have any history and they don't even know where South Africa is.

Mandela
Had no idea of really who he was, gave me a brief overview but got me interested in who he is and made me want to read more about him

Great book for kids
Great book. I like the way the vocabulary is introduced and explained in boxes on the pages. It makes it easier for the kids. My daughter appreciates that very much.

Inspiring biography of Nelson Mandela
This biography of Nelson Mandela was my 13-year old daughter's introduction to the world of Apartheid.She found the book, and its depiction of Mandela's sacrifices and extraordinary acheivements, inspirational.
... Read more

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A thrilling, inspiring account of one of the greatest charm offensives in history—Nelson Mandela’s decade-long campaign to unite his country, beginning in his jail cell and ending with a rugby tournament

In 1985, Nelson Mandela, then in prison for twenty-three years, set about winning over the fiercest proponents of apartheid, from his jailers to the head of South Africa’s military. First he earned his freedom and then he won the presidency in the nation’s first free election in 1994. But he knew that South Africa was still dangerously divided by almost fifty years of apartheid. If he couldn’t unite his country in a visceral, emotional way—and fast—it would collapse into chaos. He would need all the charisma and strategic acumen he had honed during half a century of activism, and he’d need a cause all South Africans could share. Mandela picked one of the more farfetched causes imaginable—the national rugby team, the Springboks, who would host the sport’s World Cup in 1995.

Against the giants of the sport, the Springboks’ chances of victory were remote. But their chances of capturing the hearts of most South Africans seemed remoter still, as they had long been the embodiment of white supremacist rule. During apartheid, the all-white Springboks and their fans had belted out racist fight songs, and blacks would come to Springbok matches to cheer for whatever team was playing against them. Yet Mandela believed that the Springboks could embody—and engage—the new South Africa. And the Springboks themselves embraced the scheme. Soon South African TV would carry images of the team singing “Nkosi Sikelele Afrika,” the longtime anthem of black resistance to apartheid.

As their surprising string of victories lengthened, their home-field advantage grew exponentially. South Africans of every color and political stripe found themselves falling for the team. When the Springboks took to the field for the championship match against New Zealand’s heavily favored squad, Mandela sat in his presidential box wearing a Springbok jersey while sixty-two-thousand fans, mostly white, chanted “Nelson! Nelson!” Millions more gathered around their TV sets, whether in dusty black townships or leafy white suburbs, to urge their team toward victory. The Springboks won a nail-biter that day, defying the oddsmakers and capping Mandela’s miraculous ten-year-long effort to bring forty-three million South Africans together in an enduring bond.

John Carlin, a former South Africa bureau chief for the London Independent, offers a singular portrait of the greatest statesman of our time in action, blending the volatile cocktail of race, sport, and politics to intoxicating effect. He draws on extensive interviews with Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and dozens of other South Africans caught up in Mandela’s momentous campaign, and the Springboks’ unlikely triumph. As he makes stirringly clear, their championship transcended the mere thrill of victory to erase ancient hatreds and make a nation whole. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

A right way to understand Mandela's South Africa
The book reaveals the story that made New South Africa.
A brilliant and fluid resume from young Mandela to the great idea of the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

A miracle for Mandela and Rugby
First of all I am an American, so no genes give me empathy for rugby.I was drawn to the original book by Mr. Carlin due to the movie Invictus.What I got was a wonderful expanse of what has made South Africa the miracle of the 20th century.With an awful experiment of apartheid and dispicable Boers behavior comes the saintly Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison for organizing direct conflict with the government.Somehow much of the information that was revealed in this book like the conditioning for his release and expressions of Mr. Mandela to his jailers and fellow Xhosa have escaped the general press.He was selected for his attitude, his forsight and his charity half way through his prison term to be a possible "leader" should one man-one vote become law.Indeed the course of his jailing, the murders carried out in the townships, and direct challenge to his tolerance reveal a man that should not have had to share the Nobel Peace Prizewith anybody.This book is a wonderful history, sometimes told in the first or third person, with the ingenious choice to use what the Boers held closer to them than religion, rugby; to make South Africa a strong nation with the chance that blacks, and townships, could have the time to develop after 40+ years being tortured.

I am a great fan of rugby and am always amazed at how any professional rugby player could put a NFL player to shame for conditioning and fortitude.This choice of team captain Francoise Pinaar to carry the message, invoking the Boks' green and gold colors, games, and international competition was a great story, both of sports challenges (similar to the 1960 ice hockey US Olympic victory), and how it seemed to bring along black participation to root for a sport they truely hated before the 1995 World Cup.

It is too bad that the Movie "Invictus" chose to only touch the rugby connection, because I think they missed the true greatness of this book:How Mandela behaved and thought.

This is as good a read as I've had in a long time.Maybe Mr. Carlin can come up with a similar story when, and if, the All Blacks ever win a Rugby World Cup.

Good work.

a wonderful read
This is not a book about a rugby game--it is a story of the brilliance of Nelson Mandela and his leadership skills that allowed South Africa to transition from the apartheid era to a more inclusive democracy. If you have recently seen and enjoyed the movie "Invictus", this book will provide a whole lot more depth and complexity to the story. Having spent more than 13 months living in South Africa in the last four years, I have read scores of books about South Africa and Africa. This is one of the most enjoyable and informative of the bunch.

Holding back tears
Just Wow...this book had me choked up till the end....I watched the Movie and enjoyed it till I read the book.....I almost feel bad now for Eastwoods version of the book....I've never been Prouder of South Africa....the Springboks and Madiba

Enlightening
The book is great, and tells a story that is amazing, since it it so recent.How a country was governed, and the changes brought about.Nothing is perfect ot be sure, but forgivenessis a good theme.I"ve played rugby for almost 30 years, so I also enjoyed the rugby story. ... Read more

Product Description
The story of Mandela's remarkable life--from his boyhood, his 26-year imprisonment, to his release and visit to the U.S. "Shows us how Nelson Mandela has served in South Africa as Dr. Martin Luther King served in the U.S."--Alex Haley. ... Read more

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A biography of the South African leader who became a civil rights activist, political prisoner, and president of South Africa. ... Read more

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Soon to be a major motion picture from Academy Award(r)--winning director Clint Eastwood, starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.

After being released from prison and winning South Africa's first free election, Nelson Mandela presided over a country still deeply divided by fifty years of apartheid. His plan was ambitious if not far-fetched: Use the national rugby team, the Springboks-long an embodiment of white supremacist rule-to embody and engage a new South Africa as they prepared to host the 1995 World Cup. The string of wins that followed not only defied the odds, but capped Mandela's miraculous effort to bring South Africans together in a hard-won, enduring bond.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Re-release of Carlin's "Playing the Enemy" reminds me how good the book is
John Carlin's work is a thrilling, spine-tingling effort.Most of the book's protagonists can't recall their meetings with Nelson Mandela in regards to 1995's Rugby World Cup without breaking into tears.Carlin's genius is to make you see why this is the natural reaction.Here's a man who, as one player aptly puts it "spent 27 years in prison and came out with love and friendship.All that washed over me, that huge realization, and the tears just rolled down my face."

Though Mandela is as close as there is to a god walking this earth, it's his one-on-one people skills that take the day.His will is to win them over, one person at a time.

I read the originally released hardcover version of Carlin's book, which was called 'Playing the Enemy.'The working title of Clint Eastwood's movie was, for a short while, 'The Human Factor.'ESPN also produced a film based on the book as part of their excellent '30 for 30' series (ESPN Films 30 for 30: The Sixteenth Man).I rank these efforts as follows:

1. Playing the Enemy - The other two creative works are derived directly from Carlin's reporting and dramatic narrative.

2. The 16th Man - Cliff Bestall's work is a direct retelling of Carlin's story; 15 years on, it's stirring to see the players still so visibly moved about the their place in history and the events of those days.

3. Invictus - This sappy, sloppy adaptation ranks as one of Clint Eastwood's worst movies.And, having the 5' 9" Matt Damon portray the 6' 3", 230 lb Springbok captain Francois Pienaar sticks a blowhole of unbelievability in the middle of the tale.

Even Better than the Movie
I saw the movie first, enjoyed it very much, so I thought I would check out the book.As is often the case, the book delivers even more than what can be captured in a 2 hour movie.In the book the author includes the insights of many more people than the story line developed for the movie.You get to read how key previous Apartheid government officials, ANC officials, notable South Africans, those around Nelson Mandela, etc reacted and what they thought about Nelson Mandela, the Springboks, and the Rugby World Cup in that magical year.It is a truly inspiring portrayal about a single person who could overcome adversity, persecution, and mistreatment and yet had the capacity to forgive those who did this to him and work with them to create a new united and peaceful nation.There are many reasons to read this book that range from inspiration, education, to self-improvement.

A story which demanded to be told
As I grew up in Britain I well remember the anti-apartheid demonstrations which routinely disrupted games against the Springboks in the 1960s, and how the game of Rugby was made to suffer at the hands of politics. There is thus a perfect and beautiful irony in the fact that President Mandela used that same game to unite the nation of South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 1995. Rugby had the last laugh and triumphed over politics, you might say. Interestingly in May 2010 just before it begins people are again asking whether the soccer World Cup will be able to unite the same nation in much the same way.

Anyway, this is a truly inspirational and of course true story told in a masterful way and in great detail of the power of sport (and one sport in particular) to bring people together and allow them to overcome their racial, religious, political and other differences. And all credit to Nelson Mandela for learning Afrikaans while in prison on Robben island and thus crossing the barrier between the races which lesser men could never have surmounted.

Ian Ruxton, translator of ULTIMATE CRUSH: Waseda University Rugby, Leadership and Building the Strongest Winning Team in Japan

a must read book
If you saw the movie Invictus and certainly if you did not this is still a must read book in my opinion.

There was so much more going on at the time than the movie could possibly tell us and to read the book you see the wisdom and skill of Nelson Mandela and others to prevent a blood bath in South Africa at the time of this story.There is much for the world to learn from this man and others to aspire to.

Interesting Read...
I heard about the movie, but I prefered to read the book. Nelson Mandela is an example of how life changes ones views of certain situation. An imprisioned man, fighting for the rights of his people, ends up fighting uniting a country. He wasn't a saint, but here on earth saints don't exist, just those who try to make a difference even with their faults and virtues. Great Read... ... Read more

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Nelson Mandela's speeches and political writings from his days as a leader of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944 until his release from prison in 1990. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Classic essays and speeches
Lovers of good political writing will enjoy this. I was greatly inspired by the first edition of this while I was a college student in the 1980s (when Mr. Mandela was still imprisoned).

Among the highlights are "Bantu Education" (1950s), a look at how the educational system for Black South Africans was designed to produce a class of cheap labor (as a Black South Carolinian, I can relate). Mandela's court speech prior to his imprisonment in 1964 reads like a South African "I Have A Dream" as he eloquently states the case of Black S/Africans and his willingness to be a martyr for that cause. (Check the actual sound recording of this on the CD "The Voice of Nelson Mandela" for the full effect).

Later, we see the level of principle of Mr. Mandela as he spurns offers for freedom under the conditions set by the S/A government in the 80s. We also read his post-release speech as well as his calls for peace among warring factions in S/A.

Makes you wish for eloquent, principled, and effective leaders like this in America. At least it can inspire future generations toward that direction. By all means, read it.

"�An Ideal For Which I'm Prepared To Die."
What a bottomless well of encouragement and inspiration one gets from its reading! Nelson Mandela, basing himself onthe mass of Black, Colored andIndian, workers, peasants and other democrats of South Africa, was unbreakable at the hands of the horrific, murderous and terrorist system of aparthied. Akin to Nazis Germany, the Jim Crow USA South and Zionist Israel, South Africa enjoyed the backing of the US and Britishand Israeli governments until it was overthrown.

Joining the African National Congress in 1944 at age 26, he and other youth would lead its transformationfrom and organization of " gentlemen with clean hands" to the mass revolutionary democratic movementthat would lead the revolution over apartheid. Doing so even while in prison for nearly 30 years. He was finally released in 1990 at age 72 and was soon after elected South Africa's president.

Mandela in his own words
For decades, a popular demand in South Africa and around the world was: Free Nelson Mandela!This book does an excellent job of showing just why Mandela was so popular among the masses in his country and so feared and hated by apartheid's rulers.He was a first-class revolutionary who fought for decades for his country's freedom and always believed in the power of the masses of people to make change.This book is so inspiring because you read Mandela in his own words, starting as a student leader in the 1940s to a leader of the African National Congress's armed wing in the 1960s to an internationally known political prisoner in the 1980s.He never gave up and he outlasted the vicious apartheid system.The photos in the book also do a great job of showing what the struggle against apartheid was like.

Freedom struggle against apartheid -- Mandela's own words!
What a wonderful experience-- reading and studying speeches and documents prepared by Nelson Mandela during five decades of struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa! Here are key documents of the African National Congress, including the Freedom Charter that became the central document of the mass movement that brought down apartheid. Also Mandela's speeches at different stages of the struggle, including historic courtroom addresses when he was on trial for his life; documents Mandela prepared as the apartheid regime was forced to negotiate with him and the ANC in the late 1980s; andhis first speeches after he was released from prison in 1990.
These speeches give a vivid reminder of the brutal, racist regime that was apartheid (and we should never forget that the South African regime was a pillar of U.S. domination in Africa from the 1940s on.) Mandela gives us a real feel for the determined, difficult, and courageous struggle of millions of people who never accepted submission to apartheid and the world-wide importance of the fight for a democratic, nonracialSouth Africa. And you see truly inspiring leadership in the persons of Mandela and his fellow leaders in the ANC.
Don't miss the 32-pages of photos that really help bring this rich struggle to life as well! ... Read more