*Includes pictures
*Includes Mandela's quotes about his life and work.
*Includes a bibliography for further reading.
"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for. But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." - Nelson Mandela, 1964
In the case of some historical figures, a single event or small span of years is sufficient for understanding the timeliness and extent of their impact upon the world. But others have taken lengthier, more convoluted journeys with broadly-evolved circumstances, intentions and roles to be played, reinventing themselves and playing different roles as times change. Such is the case with Nelson Mandela, whose conflict with the apartheid government of South Africa was marked by an irrational and contrary stream of corrupt legislation intended to reverse the gains made in the cause of equality through the 19th and 20th centuries.
The most basic descriptions of Nelson Mandela's life and career would include terms such as anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, activist and philanthropist, but all of these monikers require extensive shading. He has, at one time or another, been called every complimentary and critical term available to a politician, and from specific times and perspectives, they all contain some hint of truth. Mandela was a child without citizenship from his own country without any notion of its history, but in the end, he became the first of his race to lead it and to reestablish a franchise for those of his heritage. He is the "communist sympathizer" who pleaded with the United States Congress that the blessings of democracy be brought to his country, and the adoptee of a Gandhiesque non-violence who led the military wing of the African National Congress when pacifism no longer seemed feasible. Unlike the rise of national leaders of African heritage in modern times, Mandela's rise to the presidency literally began amidst mid-19th century conditions, in which the exclusionary pro-white business groups that took over southern Africa before his birth were able to legislate and codify apartheid into an accepted institution during his life.
While he is now one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century and almost universally praised, few are familiar with more than a basic outline of his life, including his lengthy imprisonment for working against South Africa's apartheid government, his release from jail and his ascent to South Africa's presidency, and his tireless charitable work on behalf of peace, fighting HIV, and more.
Nelson Mandela: The Life and Legacy of the Father of South Africa examines the life and career of one of the 20th century's most famous figures and one of its greatest activists. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about Mandela like never before, in no time at all.