Let Freedom Reign: The Words of Nelson Mandela - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1566568005 ISBN 13: 9781566568005

Publisher: Interlink Books, 2010

Synopsis

On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president, uttering the words 'let freedom reign' as part of his famous inaugural address. More than 100,000 people turned up to hear him speak. Mandela's great skill as an orator has enabled him to use the power of words as an important weapon in his fight against discrimination and injustice in the world. This collection, which marks the 20th anniversary of Mandela's release from prison in February 1990, explores how his electrifying speeches and impressive rhetoric helped bring about social and political change in South Africa, through, among other things, the dismantling of the apartheid system. Throughout his lifetime, Mandela has spoken about and written on such issues as global warming, HIV/AIDS, human rights, racism and discrimination and women's rights, and some of these are showcased in "Let Freedom Reign". In this book, author Henry Russell analyses the linguistic features, content and context of Mandela's speeches, revealing the oratory skill behind this great man's most inspiring words.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

On February 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela was released from Robben Island after 27 long, hard years of imprisonment. Four years later he became president following the first fully representational democratic election in South Africa. He is a universally revered bastion of freedom, unity and sacrifice, whose life story and reputation often obscure the man behind the icon. This book reveals the nature of that man through his own words.

Mandela's oratorical prowess and irrepressible conviction have been his most potent tools in the struggle against apartheid and the forging of a new, inclusive South African national identity. His is not the rhetoric of a demagogue but that of an educated man engaging in a logical and reasoned argument against an illogical, oppressive system and its values. His unashamed honesty and the accessibility of his language have earned him the love and respect of rich and poor, white and black, politician and layman.

About the Author:

Henry Russell is the author of more than 15 books and contributes to several magazines and newspapers including The New Statesman and The Literary Review. He is the author of The Politics of Hope: the Words of Barack Obama.

About this edition

• Publisher: Interlink Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1566568005
• ISBN 13: 9781566568005
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 136