In His Own Words - Hardcover

Mandela, Nelson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316110191 ISBN 13: 9780316110198

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2004

Synopsis

"There is no easy way to walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires." -Nelson Mandela, September 1953
In spreading the message of freedom, equality, and human dignity, Nelson Mandela helped transform not only his own nation, but the entire world. Now his most important speeches are collected in a single volume. From the eve of his imprisonment to his release twenty-seven years later, from his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize to his election as South Africa's first black president, these speeches span some of the most pivotal moments of Mandela's life and his country's history.
Arranged thematically and accompanied by tributes from leading world figures, Mandela's addresses memorably illustrate his lasting commitment to freedom and reconciliation, democracy and development, culture and diversity, and international peace and well-being. The extraordinary power of this volume is in the moving words and intimate tone of Mandela himself, one of the most courageous and articulate men of our time.

About this title

About the Author

Nelson Mandela was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, president of South Africa, president of the African National Congress, and leader of the anti-apartheid movement.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* "A transforming leader . . . like Gandhi or King." "The single most admired, most respected international figure in the entire world." Beyond the images of saintly icon, this collection of Mandela's speeches shows why he remains a universal hero. In addition to the speeches, the volume includes sharp, insightful commentary by political leaders, South African and international, who discuss Mandela's amazing capacity for forgiveness; his commitment to reconciliation but also to justice; and his pride in his African identity. His stirring words also mark the landmarks in his country's history over 50 years, from his court address before being imprisoned for life, to his speech on his release 27 years later, his address on being elected prime minister, and his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Then there are his eloquent tributes to his fellow freedom fighters, such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and his memorials to those who died in the struggle, including Steve Biko, Ruth First, and many more, who were tortured and assassinated by the apartheid regime. Still an activist engaged with crucial issues, he calls on today's leaders to deal with poverty, education, AIDS, and other health issues ("kick polio out of Africa"). A much-needed companion to Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom (1994), this volume will be in great demand for the personal drama, the history, and, yes, for the inspiring moral values. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0316110191
• ISBN 13: 9780316110198
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 608