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A brief biography of the South African civil rights worker and president who serves as an example of forgiveness. ... Read more

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A biography of Nelson Mandela, a key figure in world politics today. Told through unique letters and reminiscences from Mandela and his relatives, the author provides a perspective to the man behind the mask. ... Read more

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Nelson Mandela's life is the story of a country boy and his fight for the black people of South Africa. His struggle against apartheid led to twenty-seven years in jail. After he was freed in 1994, he went on to become the first black president of South Africa. The extraordinary story of a great man, a freedom fighter and one of the world's most important leaders. ... Read more

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Ahmed Kathrada’s autobiography is a moving read about a man who not only observed, but also actively participated in the shaping of a country’s history. Born a shopkeeper’s son in a small rural town, he became the trusted confidante of some of the most prominent political figures in South Africa’s struggle history, among them Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. Politically active at the age of 10, Kathrada devoted his life to the freedom struggle in South Africa. Persecuted, driven underground and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Rivonia Trial, Kathrada spent 18 years on Robben Island, where he grew close to both Mandela and Sisulu, whom he regarded as a second father. On the island, in his tiny garden patch, Kathrada buried the original draft of Mandela’s autobiography, until such time it could be smuggled to London.

In this book, truly a collection of memoirs, he affords us rare glimpses into his and other activists’ lives during the struggle and imprisonment, and sketches poignant cameos of those who would become South Africa’s post-apartheid leaders. This is a fascinating book about a modest man who experienced a momentous life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful Book
As a white immigrant growing up in South Africa during theapartheid regime, I was subjected to some discrimination as well; because our views were not what the government would have liked. Mr. Kathrada's book again brings back the frustration one felt of the dishonesty and cruelty of the white protestant government, hiding behind racial superiority and religion, and keeping everyone misinformed. This is a must read book for everyone, to remind us of what should not be happening in this world again. I am very proud of what the new S.A. government has achieved.

A remarkable book by a remarkable man
Memoirs allows us to enter into the life of Ahmed "Kathy" Kathrada, a very humble yet very real hero, whose steadfast adherence to the highest ideals helped alter the future of a nation.

Ahmed Kathrada played a pivotal role in ending apartheid, helping his country choose a path of reconciliation instead of revenge, and building a new democracy.

This book offers snapshots of his unusual life:An Indian, Muslim South African, Kathy became politically involved at the age of 10 and his activism continued despite repeated arrests, detentions, and bannings as well as increasingly severe measures by the Apartheid government. In 1964, he was convicted of sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment, along with Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and the other Rivonia Trialists.

Fellow prisoners for 26 years, these leaders were also the closest colleagues and friends, sharing the unshakable belief that truth, justice and democracy would ultimately triumph over oppression and racism.

Released from prison in 1989, at the age of 60, Ahmed Kathrada was at the center of dramatic changes in South Africa and went on to serve as a member of South Africa's first freely elected Parliament, Parliamentary Counsellor to the Office of President Mandela, and Chair of the Robben Island Museum.

He is proof that human beings are capable of exceptional goodness even in the most difficult circumstances, and that political power can be wielded with integrity, empathy, and compassion.He also possesses a wonderful sense of humor as well as unique insight into his close friends and colleagues, including Nelson Mandela.

Ahmed Kathrada's Memoirs offer an essential and all-too-rare view into the mind and soul of a truly great and profoundly gentle revolutionary.

memoirs of one of the leaders in overturning apartheid in South Africa
From Ahmed Kathrada's lifelong involvement in the thick of South Africa political activism and his 26 years in prison in the notorious Robben Island and Pollsmoor prisons for political prisoners, he became the fellow activist with and confidant of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and other historic figures in the struggle against that country's apartheid. And with them, Kathrada played a leading, though for the most part less visible, role in developing a post-apartheid South African political and social system. Though apartheid was abandoned years ago, the full story of the struggle against it is just now beginning to emerge, as the leaders of this struggle are finding the time to write their memoirs in their later years after moving out of the political arena and giving way to the succeeding generation of leaders. Kathrada sees his own "Memoirs" as a "modest addition to the growing and most welcome body of work that is emerging about a particularly significant period in South Africa's recent history." Kathrada's modesty kept him from moving into the political, governing, arena as visibly as others, notably Nelson Mandela. But it's clear from this modestly-written "Memoirs" that Kathrada was a major figure in bringing apartheid to an end and setting South Africa on a new course. ... Read more

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Focusing on his endless fight against apartheid, his twenty seven years in South African prisons, and his election as president of the world's newest democracy, a biography of Nelson Mandela for younger readers features photographs and large type. ... Read more

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Late one night in 1963, a South African police unit surrounded the African National Congress headquarters in Rivonia and arrested a group of party leaders gathered inside. Eight of them, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Dennis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsaledi, Andrew Mlangeni, and Ahmed Kathrada, were convicted of sabotage and, on 11 June 1964, sentenced to life in prison. Soon, these men became widely known as the 'Rivonia Trialists.' Despite their imprisonment, the Trialists played active roles in the struggle against South Africa's racist regime. Instead of being forgotten, as apartheid officials had hoped, they became enduring symbols in a struggle against injustice and racism.Kathrada and his colleagues were classified as high security prisoners, segregated from others and closely watched. Every activity was regulated and monitored. Among the many indignities visited upon them, the prisoners were prohibited from keeping copies of incoming and outgoing correspondence. Kathrada, or 'Kathy' as he became known, successfully hid both.Letters from Robben Island contains a selection of 86 of the more than 900 pieces of correspondence Ahmed Kathrada wrote during his 26 years on Robben Island and at Pollsmoor Prison. Some were smuggled out by friends; others were written in code to hide meaning and content from prison censors.These are among his most poignant, touching, and eloquent communications. They are testimonials to Kathrada, to his colleagues, and to their commitment to obtaining human dignity and freedom for all South Africans. ... Read more

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Understanding life in apartheid's prisons
This collection of letters, by one of South Africa's leading activists, offers a direct view of the experience of a political prisoner during apartheid.Written during the author's 26 years in prison, alongsideNelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, the books grants the reader the rare chance to grasp the daily hardships these men endured.And yet, givenKathrada's courage, humility and humor, as well as their ultimate politicalvictory, the book is a source of inspiration and hope. ... Read more

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An extraordinary visual journey documenting Nelson Mandela’s twenty-seven years in prison on Robben Island, Prisoner in the Garden contains previously unpublished images, documents, and diary and letter extracts, as well as some original notes from the writing of Mandela’s bestselling autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom, and other archival material that helps illustrate the life in jail of the world’s most famous political prisoner. As moving and inspirational as its predecessor, A Long Walk to Freedom,Prisoner in the Garden digs even deeper into Mandela’s prison years. This groundbreaking book is an international publication event. It is being published by Penguin South Africa, UK, Canada, andUSA.

Rich in imagery, Prisoner in the Garden provides compelling insight into the prison life of one of the elder statesman of our time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Prisoner In The Garden
I had the impression that the book was new. The dust-cover was marked and four pages had not been cut at the top right hand conner. i needed the book for research and very quickly. If not I would have returned the book.

Great tribute to a great man!
This is a very fascinating read and a fitting tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela, one of the giants of the 20th century. After reading this book, you will get a better sense of Mandela's humanity and humility; qualities that have made him the most respected statesman of our time. Highly recommended!

Prisoner in the Garden by the Nelson Mandela Foundation
The book documents Nelson Mandela's long and unjust incarceration. It depicts a media visit to Robben Island. There are pictures of prisoners tending the garden while incarcerated.

This volume has many memoirs, oral accounts, artifacts used by Nelson Mandela, structures named after him and the official record of the Presidential tenure. A copy of the prison release is contained in the book. It was signed by President FW De Klerk and countersigned by HJ Coetsee. The daily visits are diarized
in a lengthy prison log.

This work documents a wealth of historical facts for future
generations of South Africans and historians everywhere.
It is an important testimony to the years of involuntary
bondage within the context of the old apartheid system.

The current and future generations will have a deep appreciation
of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation bestowed freely
by Nelson Mandela after years of an unjust detention.
The book attests to the wisdom of documenting the travesties
of justice and then putting the past behind so that the
society at-large can move forward to rebuild .

VERY INTERESTING DEPICTION OF MANDELA'S NEGOTIATION
I have been for many years a very interested reader of non-violent leaders, mainly MLK and Gandhi.The Mandela that shines through in this book recalls the spirits of those other great leaders.

Mandela's negotiation skills shine through along with his humanity.We are confronted with many of his letters, some of which demonstrated frustration at censorship, some of which showed his tremendous skills negotiating with a government that held him prisoner.It is outstanding to see a man take power from a prison cell, and negotiate in a position of strenght with a government that holds total control over his life.

The main aim of the book is not the one I am reflecting.The book is in fact a reflection of Mandela's life in prison and all the records that have been gathered of his time there (and the interesting stories of each record).This is not a history book or even a biographical book -- if you are looking for those, look elsewhere.This is a record (with a lot of pictures) of a time in his life and his new project, in the form of the Center for Memory, as an attempt to avoid the mistakes of the past by remembering them.

This is a very interesting book.I have not read his biography, so I cannot compare, though I am impelled to read it now.Mandela is an outstanding man, a towering figure of the 20th century that helped usher in the 21st.One finishes this book with faith restored. ... Read more

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Nelson Mandela is well known for his 27-year imprisonment, subsequent rise to the presidency of South Africa, and 1993 Nobel Prize for his stance against apartheid. Less well known is the story of his formative years, which is the subject of this book. Born in 1918, Mandela had exposure to the rural and tribal life of South Africa as well as the privileged life that was out of reach for many of his compatriots. He became active in politics as a young man, fighting for civil liberties and against the injustices of apartheid. This book explores the development, education, and character of a young man who would become a worldwide symbol of struggle, integrity, and strength of conviction. Covering the first 24 years of Mandela's life, this book is an examination of the events that led Nelson Mandela to become South Africa’s most famous and beloved citizen. Black-and-white photographs add to this fascinating biography. ... Read more

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Nelson Mandela is a true hero of our times, loved and admired across the globe for his dedication to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and for justice and peace throughout the world. This book tells the story of his life, from his carefree days as an ordinary village boy, to his unflinching leadership of the ANC, the long years in prison and his eventual freedom and extraordinary elevation to President of South Africa. Abridged by acclaimed author Chris van Wyk and beautifully illustrated by Paddy Bouma, this is an important book bringing an inspirational man to life for a younger generation. ... Read more

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Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children
Nelson Mandela, born into South Africa's Thembu tribe to a chief who taught him bravery and a wise mother who taught him kindness, learned at an early age that white people ruled the country and controlled virtually all the wealth.Named Rolihlahla, or "troublemaker", Mandela grew up in an extended family that believed in the power of education, and he ultimately completed a bachelor's degree and studied law.True to his moniker, Mandela did stir up plenty of trouble in his decades-long struggle to end South Africa's oppressive system of racial apartheid.

Angry that the country's institutionalized form of discrimination left most black people living in poverty while whites enjoyed a comfortable standard of living, Mandela and his collaborators formed the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, and they organized numerous non-violent protests. When the government responded with violence in 1960, the ANC's strategy became more drastic, leading just a few years later to the arrest of several ANC leaders, including Mandela. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, more than half of which he served at Robben Island under very basic conditions that involved hard labor and virtually no contact with the outside world.

Following growing international pressure, the South African government finally released Mandela from prison in 1990.He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and a year later became South Africa's President in the country's first multiracial election.As an abridged version of Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom makes these incredible events accessible to younger readers in an engaging and interesting way. The book's publication coincides nicely with the United Nation's announcement of Mandela Day and the movie industry's release of a major motion picture about Mandela.
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Contiene sus alegatos desde el banquillo de los acusados: “Un hombre negro en un tribunal blanco” y “Estoy dispuesto a morir.”

Sección de fotos de 16 páginas. ... Read more

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La lucha contra el apartheid -- ¡En vivo!
Aquí tenemos una colección importante de declaraciones por Nelson Mandela,dirigente de la lucha en contra el sistema racista del apartheid en Sudáfrica. Incluye los textos de sus intervenciones antes tribunales del estado del apartheid, cuando el fue enjuiciado y encarcelado con cadena perpetua por su participación en la lucha.

Mandela habla de la historia de opresión y explotación en Sudáfrica y de las protestas de las masas revindicando sus derechos. Presenta la perspectiva del Congreso Nacional Africano de una nación democrático y no racial. Mandela también denuncia la violencia desatada por el gobierno apartheid, y detalla las masivas Campañas de Desafío contra las leyes apartheid, los paros nacionales y la decisión de lanzar una lucha armada.

¡Un libro de inspiración e educación política para todos nosotros hoy en día! ... Read more

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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. ... Read more

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Presents the life and career of the imprisoned leader of the African National Congress focusing on his role in the struggle for black majority rights in South Africa. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nelson Mandela's fight for freedom
I read this book in seventh grade. For me it was a saddening story of one man's fight for freedom from Communist South Africa. He was jailed for treason on June 13, 1964. Finally in 1990 he was freed from prison, he wasno longer South Africa's silent voice of protest.

Nelson Mandela's fight for freedom
I read this book in seventh grade. For me it was a saddening story of one man's fight for freedom from Communist South Africa. He was jailed for treason on June 13, 1964. Finally in 1990 he was freed from prison, he wasno longer South Africa's silent voice of protest. ... Read more