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."
`The best overall assessment of Mandela to date... Readers who want to understand Mandela's symbolic and actual achievements - and what he failed to accomplish during his presidency - will find more information, insight, and judgment in this slim volume than in the many weightier titles devoted to this protean figure.
' The Atlantic `Mr Lodge's elegant biography will be essential reading for anyone wishing to look behind the myth. He has a strong feel for South Africa's history. His anecdotes are well chosen and insightful, and serve to remind the reader that Mr Mandela, although an exceptional figure, still remains all too human.' The Economist `In this illuminating biography....Lodge makes an important contribution with his argument that Mandela's appeal rests in his ability to personify his political beliefs.' Publishers Weekly `[a] thoughtful and educated appraisal' Rodger Hutchinson, The Scotsman `Lodge tells the story at a cracking pace...The strength of this book is that it tells its extraordinary tale with clarity, narrative focus and analytical shrewdness, teasing out the man from the encrusted myth' Bryan Roston, Tribune `Unquestionably the most analytically incisive and discerning of the Nelson Mandela biographies. ' Bill Nasson, University of Cape Town `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.' Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Number Of Pages: 304
Published: 26th July 2007
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 19.5 x 12.8 x 2.0
Weight (kg): 0.25