Nelson Mandela: A Hero's Journey

by Kelly Knauer, Time-Life Books

Join TIME to explore the full story of Nelson Mandela, the remarkable man whose incandescent smile, forgiving spirit and work for reconciliation made him one of the most significant leaders of the 20th century and one of the most admired people in the world. TIME Nelson Mandela traces the twin journeys of Mandela and his nation away from the hateful system of racist apartheid to the creation of a modern South Africa where all people are free.

Here is Mandela’s journey in full detail: his birth in a grass hut as a prince of the Thembu tribe … his work as an inspiring young lawyer fighting for civil rights for blacks … his years as an underground freedom fighter … and the 27 years he spent in jail as a political prisoner. And here is his incredible return to freedom, when he moved the world by vowing to forgive his captors and to reconcile all the people of his land, steering his nation away from a racial war.

TIME Nelson Mandela features a personal and insightful introduction by TIME managing editor Richard Stengel, the co-writer of Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Here is history as only TIME can tell it: rich, clear, incisive and filled with the details that bring the story of one of our great modern heroes to fresh, inspiring life.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2014

Reviews

[Eseoghene King-Fashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great picture book of the story of Nelson Mandela and the South African struggle to end apartheid. It was beautifully written and I was moved to tears at different points. Thank you TIME for this one.

[Charissa Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in awe of his life and the things he had to go through. Definitely an important life story that needs to be remembered. Would like to read a more neutral bio of Mandela after this though. Time's version really put him up on an untouchable pedestal. I'd like to know more of the failures and unpopular choices during that period.

[Yasmin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short and carefully arranged account of Nelson Mandela's life. It's home entertainment and let's hope the readers will be entertained. One must never trust TIME on anything. In this book you will read about a humble saint. A reluctant rebel. A president who didn't want to be president and the myths go on. Not only was he hard done by the government but by his wives, one "mysteriously" abandoned him and the other was so caught up in having sex with other guys that she...well...just lost sight of the cause, the poor dear. As for the last wife, but the brief notice of her and the other two wives she was simply a good trooper. Well it's entertainment there's not much room for anything really. There's nice glossy photos to stare at. This is a book for you if you don't know anything about Nelson Mandela and don't want to know anything, read this book.

[Jane Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read anything about Nelson Mandela. I found this Time version and bought it.
The picture are wonderful as is the story of his life. I thoroughly enjoy learning of his struggle for his country and how it changed from time to time. Also his 27 years in prison made his a national icon. Great book

[Nigel Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! This book offers a great, although brief, review of the history of colonialism in Africa and South Africa specifically. I also got to understand the life of Mandela and his impact on the world. I think this book is a great starting point for studying colonialism in South Africa as many leaders are mentioned.

[Ryan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Time always does they have published a great book with writing and pictures that tell the incredible story of Mandela.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonably written book about the life of Mandela. There have been many written about him and I have barely begun to make head way with the long list. Not a bad book to begin with.