Nelson Mandela is one of the world's most revered and popular public figures, a man synonymous with the long, bitter struggle to rid South Africa of a racist regime and replace it with a multi-racial democracy. Today he is seen as a symbol of world freedom, an ambassador for civil rights, a heroic liberator whose influence and image of moral integrity extend way beyond his homeland. Blessed with effortless charm,he leaves a lasting impression on anyone he meets. But the ready smile with which he greets children and adults alike masks a steely determination forged by decades of oppression.

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Millions of people owe their liberty to one man's dedication and refusal to be .silenced. That man is Nelson Mandela.

Now this spectacular, beautifully photographed,and accessible biography celebrates the life of this man. Readers will be inspired and encouraged by his vision, his struggle, and his success. Mandela's life is a tale of liberty and justice in a troubled world. His inspiring story il!ustratesthe strength of hope and perseverance in the face of oppression.

Rolihlahla Mandela was born in 1918 into a high-ranking family of the Thembu people. At the age of seven, he became the first member of the English name "Nelson" by his teacher. At university he gradually became aware of the political realities of South Africa and at the same time met two men whose influence was pivotal-Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo. He subsequently joined the ANC, the continent's oldest liberation movement. Divorced from his first wife, Mandela married a young social worker, Winnie Madikizela, who supported his political struggles and kept his name alive during the long years of imprisonment.

A trained lawyer, Mandela tried to use the law to fight for his people's rights but was blocked by the government. He was forced to go underground when the ANC was outlawed, and a year later he was arrested and charged with using violence to attempt to overthrow the government. In 1964 Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment. It seemed that he would end his days in prison, but in the early 1980s antiapartheid campaigners stepped up their pressure for him to be released, and, finally, in 1990 he walked free.

CHAPTER 1

"Girding for Battle"

CHAPTER 2

"I Have Crossed Famous Rivers"

CHAPTER 3

"The People Shall Rule!"

CHAPTER 4

The Winds of Change Blow - Backwards

CHAPTER 5

The Attack of the Wild Beast

CHAPTER 6

"Esiquithini" - "At the Island"

CHAPTER 7

The Path to Freedom

CHAPTER 8

"I Feel Like an Old Battery That Has Been Recharged!"

CHAPTER 9

President Nelson Mandela

CHAPTER 10

"I Can't Rest"

Index