Mandela: The Authorized Biography

by Anthony Sampson

Book Overview

The life of Nelson Mandela is one of the most extraordinary epics of the twentieth century. An almost-forgotten prisoner on Robben Island twenty years ago, apparently doomed to a helpless existence as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375400192
• ISBN13: 9780375400193
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 720 Pages
• Weight: 2.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great biography

Anthony Sampson's "Mandela" is one of the best biographies ever written! This book, together with Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom," should be read by every person alive. Mandela's life and actions give us hope that the humankind can do better. He shows the path of peace and hope instead of hatred and revenge.

Amazing life of imprisonment to leadership!

What an amazing life this man had. He was born on the rural plains in South Africa.. His father was absent due to forced circumstances. Mandela later received an education in law and began the practice of law. Political causes led to his imprisonment for nearly thirty years in Robbins Prison. The book tells the wrenching tale of his separation of his family during his imprisonment, yet the family (the second marriage, to Winnie) remained intact during his long imprisonment and only dissolved after the release from prison. The book is very heavy on the political activity in whch Mandela was involved. This is an interesting book of personal triumph over overwhelming odds.

A well-told education in character and leadership.

If you believe there are no modern heroes - that fortitude and unselfish judgement in the face of adversity are out-of-date virtues, you need to read this book. That Sampson shows the whole man so well (with admittedly a few frailities) adds depth to the tremendous courage, excellent judgement, and magnanimity Mandela demonstrated his entire life, even when the cause of the ANC he led seemed hopeless. Along the way the book gives an excellent view of South African history during Mandela's adulthood. If you are not very familiar with Mandela or South Africa you might do better to start with Mandela's own book, "Long Walk to Freedom" which doesn't cover quite so much ground and is more on a human scale. Both books are inspiring.

A very good introduction to a deep man

If you need to know Nelson Mandela, this is the book to read. This book's weaknesses are evident: It is written from a British viewpoint, and basically takes for granted a knowledge of South African history and geography most Americans do not possess (though they should). It also soft pedals the problems in Mandela's relationship with Winnie, though that is understandable. I have a feeling that not too many people could understand it. But it does a great job of making us see how the man was shaped and became what he is, and how he stands as a fearless, remarkable leader.

A Hero for our times!

I knew very little of Nelson Mandela before reading this book, but now I am confident that I have an excellent feel for what makes this man tick. This is an excellent book and one that should be read by anyone who wants to be inspired!