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Long Walk to Freedom #1
Long Walk to Freedom
From his birth in a village on the banks of the Mbashe River in the Transkei to his politicisation and development as a freedom fighter, this first volume of Nelson Mandela's classic autobiography charts the early years of his life, which culminated in his prison sentence in 1962. Emotive, compelling and uplifting, Long Walk to Freedom: Volume 1 tells the beginnings of the story of an epic life, a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph conveyed with the clarity and eloquence of the outstanding moral and political leader of the twentieth century.
497 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Nelson Mandela
244 books2,044 followersNelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a former President of South Africa, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, who held office from 1994–99.
Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...
Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
October 29, 2016
Nelson Mandela part wrote this in 1974 while incarcerated on Robben Island, he resumed his 'Long Walk' after his release in 1990. Volume One of his remarkable autobiography covers his life from 1918 to 1962, when his fight for freedom was temporarily curtailed with a five year prison sentence.
Here is a startling memoir that documents Mandela's early development as well as that of the A.N.C. and their struggle against the South African Nationalist apartheid government that arose in 1948. 'Die kaffer op sy plek' ('the nigger in his place') was their election slogan and their belief that 'Die wit man moet altyd baas wees' (the white man must always remain boss').
Once more history gives an example of the freaks with god on their side. The Nationalists being supported by the Dutch Reformed Church that declared Africaners were God's chosen and blacks were a subservient species.
Certainly one of the most astounding political documents of any freedom fighter of the twentieth century, I now have to hope my library has a copy of volume two!
Here is a startling memoir that documents Mandela's early development as well as that of the A.N.C. and their struggle against the South African Nationalist apartheid government that arose in 1948. 'Die kaffer op sy plek' ('the nigger in his place') was their election slogan and their belief that 'Die wit man moet altyd baas wees' (the white man must always remain boss').
Once more history gives an example of the freaks with god on their side. The Nationalists being supported by the Dutch Reformed Church that declared Africaners were God's chosen and blacks were a subservient species.
Certainly one of the most astounding political documents of any freedom fighter of the twentieth century, I now have to hope my library has a copy of volume two!
August 3, 2013
A spirit-awakening, awe inspiring book. Despite its often tedious details (even with the help of diaries, one has to wonder about such an extraordinary memory of people and events over so many years), I am left with the reassuring knowledge that one man can indeed make a difference, and that positive social change, albeit painfully slow, is always possible. I salute Mandela's highly dignified stance where he refuses to use harsh, condemning words about his enemies. His restraint and humility are a lesson in human behavior and, for that matter, for successful national and international politics.
I bow to you, Mr. Mandela. May you never be forgotten!
I bow to you, Mr. Mandela. May you never be forgotten!
August 13, 2012
I read this opening half of the great Mandela opus while on my first visit to South Africa recently. I'm glad I did. So much of it makes sense only once you have spent a short while in the country.
In some ways, this is not the book I was expecting. It's not really a firebrand of a book, no revolutionary manifesto, call to arms or heady political diatribe. There's no need for that, we're on the moral high ground here. Instead, this first book is a steady, level-headed account of Mandela's upbringing, education, political awakening,legal training and early conflict with Grand Apartheid, and finally his career as an underground organiser.
Undoubtedly it's all the better for the restraintwhich is so much the mark of the Mandela we know and respect. He explores the social background, the racial tension, the politics, with a curiously dispassionate, quiet authority, and so much of the story only makes sense with some first-hand experience of how South Africa works. Perhaps the passion and horror comes in the second part.
Mandela comes over as a likeable and honest man. He's no great writer - this is an efficient, engaging, no-frills account - but A Long Walk to Freedom ends up as a highly enjoyable, accessible and valuabel read. If there are a few passages that contain rather too many lists of names of ANC organisers and the occasional disquisition on ANC politics, you can forgive him that in such a long life and skip over. Result? Four stars. Heart warming, ultimately joyous (we know the ending - so far) and profound. Quite a life. Well done indeed, Mandela!
In some ways, this is not the book I was expecting. It's not really a firebrand of a book, no revolutionary manifesto, call to arms or heady political diatribe. There's no need for that, we're on the moral high ground here. Instead, this first book is a steady, level-headed account of Mandela's upbringing, education, political awakening,legal training and early conflict with Grand Apartheid, and finally his career as an underground organiser.
Undoubtedly it's all the better for the restraintwhich is so much the mark of the Mandela we know and respect. He explores the social background, the racial tension, the politics, with a curiously dispassionate, quiet authority, and so much of the story only makes sense with some first-hand experience of how South Africa works. Perhaps the passion and horror comes in the second part.
Mandela comes over as a likeable and honest man. He's no great writer - this is an efficient, engaging, no-frills account - but A Long Walk to Freedom ends up as a highly enjoyable, accessible and valuabel read. If there are a few passages that contain rather too many lists of names of ANC organisers and the occasional disquisition on ANC politics, you can forgive him that in such a long life and skip over. Result? Four stars. Heart warming, ultimately joyous (we know the ending - so far) and profound. Quite a life. Well done indeed, Mandela!
January 21, 2024
Um livro, uma mensagem, que me marca profundamente para a vida.
A luta inconformada pela liberdade e igualdade, a importância da tolerância com todos os seres humanos, até com os próprios opressores, são marcas que Mandela soube aprender e aplicar ao longo da vida.
"Estava ciente de que o opressor precisava tanto de ser liberto como o oprimido. Um homem que rouba a liberdade a outro homem é um prisioneiro do ódio, está trancado atrás das grades do preconceito e da estreiteza mental. Ninguém é totalmente livre quando rouba a liberdade de outrem, do mesmo modo que não é livre aquele a quem tiram a liberdade. O opressor e o oprimido são igualmente despojados da sua humanidade."
A luta inconformada pela liberdade e igualdade, a importância da tolerância com todos os seres humanos, até com os próprios opressores, são marcas que Mandela soube aprender e aplicar ao longo da vida.
"Estava ciente de que o opressor precisava tanto de ser liberto como o oprimido. Um homem que rouba a liberdade a outro homem é um prisioneiro do ódio, está trancado atrás das grades do preconceito e da estreiteza mental. Ninguém é totalmente livre quando rouba a liberdade de outrem, do mesmo modo que não é livre aquele a quem tiram a liberdade. O opressor e o oprimido são igualmente despojados da sua humanidade."
June 19, 2022
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
August 17, 2019
Mandatory read of a complex story that will need more time to be judged fairly. But a bit boring.
April 6, 2024
I knew embarrassingly little about modern South African history and this was a very engaging way to learn more.
August 18, 2023
The European global expansion of the 15th century marked the beginning of a destructive and oppressive tide of colonization that lasted for centuries. From Africa to India to North and South America, white European travelers claimed land and people that were different from themselves, displaying incomprehensible hubris. In his home country of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to breaking the chains of oppression.
Raised to be an advisor to the local African chief in his native Transkei region, Mandela had the privilege of education from a young age. He was the only black student studying law at the University of Witwatersrand at the age of 25 when he joined the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was opposed to the government's policies of apartheid, which codified laws and regulations that had kept Africans in an inferior position to whites for centuries. The ANC's goal was to desegregate the country and grant equal voting rights to all citizens, ending the government's racist and oppressive laws and practices.
Mandela and his colleague Oliver Tambo opened the first black-owned and operated law firm in Johannesburg, which was immediately swamped with clients looking to challenge the white government's unfair treatment of black people. His years spent arguing cases on behalf of his clients exposed the realities of the system, which was not as just as he had believed. The law was a tool used by the ruling class to shape society in a way favorable to itself. In 1960, the government declared the ANC illegal, and Mandela was forced to live underground as an outlaw in his own country. He was eventually caught and sentenced to life in prison in 1963.
Mandela served only 27 of his life sentence, with 18 of those years spent in a small cell on Robben Island. Despite being imprisoned, the struggle continued, and Mandela fought for better prison conditions while advising freedom fighters on the outside. During his imprisonment, the world began to take notice of the South African struggle, with sanctions and political pressure mounting. In 1990, Mandela was set free, and within a few years, the ANC and other organizations successfully campaigned for a new constitution and system of democracy for the people. Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994, officially ending three and a half centuries of European colonialism and oppression.
While Mandela's struggle for freedom is inspiring, it is sadly not unique. Many countries achieved independence from their oppressors, such as Angola gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 and Venezuela declaring independence from Spain in 1811. As Mandela wrote, "Freedom is indivisible, the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me."
Raised to be an advisor to the local African chief in his native Transkei region, Mandela had the privilege of education from a young age. He was the only black student studying law at the University of Witwatersrand at the age of 25 when he joined the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was opposed to the government's policies of apartheid, which codified laws and regulations that had kept Africans in an inferior position to whites for centuries. The ANC's goal was to desegregate the country and grant equal voting rights to all citizens, ending the government's racist and oppressive laws and practices.
Mandela and his colleague Oliver Tambo opened the first black-owned and operated law firm in Johannesburg, which was immediately swamped with clients looking to challenge the white government's unfair treatment of black people. His years spent arguing cases on behalf of his clients exposed the realities of the system, which was not as just as he had believed. The law was a tool used by the ruling class to shape society in a way favorable to itself. In 1960, the government declared the ANC illegal, and Mandela was forced to live underground as an outlaw in his own country. He was eventually caught and sentenced to life in prison in 1963.
Mandela served only 27 of his life sentence, with 18 of those years spent in a small cell on Robben Island. Despite being imprisoned, the struggle continued, and Mandela fought for better prison conditions while advising freedom fighters on the outside. During his imprisonment, the world began to take notice of the South African struggle, with sanctions and political pressure mounting. In 1990, Mandela was set free, and within a few years, the ANC and other organizations successfully campaigned for a new constitution and system of democracy for the people. Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994, officially ending three and a half centuries of European colonialism and oppression.
While Mandela's struggle for freedom is inspiring, it is sadly not unique. Many countries achieved independence from their oppressors, such as Angola gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 and Venezuela declaring independence from Spain in 1811. As Mandela wrote, "Freedom is indivisible, the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me."
Read
October 27, 2011I read an audio edition produced by Hachtte audio not listed among the 57 editions listed. Long Walk to Freedom, by Nelson Mandela, Narrated by Michael Boatman, Produced by Hachette hettehettehette Audio, Downloaded from audible.com.
This is a partial autobiography of Mandela’s life-partial because it ends with his election as president after his release from prison, and much has happened since that time, almost 20 years ago now. Mandela served over 27 years in prison in South Africa because of his unswerving dedication to freeing South Africa from apartheid. This book is interesting because we see how Mandela worked with all factions, even those he did not like in government, because he knew it was necessary, in order to be successful, for all groups to work together. He never lost his belief in people. While he harbored hatred for the apartheid system created in South Africa, he did not allow himself to retain resentment against individual people. He candidly spoke of the breakup of his marriage because, in or out of prison, his work for the African National Congress always came first. The narrator had a South African accent which made this book even better because it made the reader feel as if Mandela himself was narrating the book. This is a book one could reread several times through the years for inspiration.
This is a partial autobiography of Mandela’s life-partial because it ends with his election as president after his release from prison, and much has happened since that time, almost 20 years ago now. Mandela served over 27 years in prison in South Africa because of his unswerving dedication to freeing South Africa from apartheid. This book is interesting because we see how Mandela worked with all factions, even those he did not like in government, because he knew it was necessary, in order to be successful, for all groups to work together. He never lost his belief in people. While he harbored hatred for the apartheid system created in South Africa, he did not allow himself to retain resentment against individual people. He candidly spoke of the breakup of his marriage because, in or out of prison, his work for the African National Congress always came first. The narrator had a South African accent which made this book even better because it made the reader feel as if Mandela himself was narrating the book. This is a book one could reread several times through the years for inspiration.
April 24, 2017
First of all I didn't expect that reading an autobiography will be so exiting. The book start with a very slow beginning where reader will be puzzled with African names and places. Mandela described on how his father fell from power. How he was adopted by a Regent, and given a western education. The book starting to catch attention when Mandela drop from his studies, ran away from home and start living in Johannesburg where his political conscience started to wake. He started to be influenced by political thinking when he start his clerkship. He then joined ANC and started planning, ANC event to opposed the Nationalist Apartheid policies. He eventually been put on trial for treason, where his business as lawyer eventually have to be closed. His first wife left him afterward. He then taken a second wife which have the same political thinking as his. Although he is freed from the treason suit. He eventually been caught again after his global tour pledging support for the militarization of ANC. The first volume ended with his inspiring speech in court on which he refuse to defend himself and sentenced for 5 years jail term.
Definitely will re-read this once have a chance!
Definitely will re-read this once have a chance!
June 5, 2015
I think that this book is very sad because of all the suffering Mandela goes through in his life and all the losses he had. My favourite part of the book is when he becomes the black pimpernel since he had to go into hiding. I also liked that part because of the way he wrote the story. I would recommend this book to adults since the topics he introduced in his book may be too complicated for younger kids to understand.
October 26, 2019
Started very well then got a little tedious.
August 23, 2020
Remarkable man, remarkable journey, remarkable fight, remarkable autobiography.. The purpose of reading an autobiography is completely felt & realised when you read Mandela’s journey.. He makes you feel emotional through out the journey and at times you feel as if you should have been there fighting with him..There are magical moments where you cry and laugh along with him..
Few of those moments are
“What moved me most was a brief image of Winston Churchill weeping after he heard the news of the loss of the British Vessel. The image stayed in my memory for a long time, and demonstrated to me leader can show sorrow in public and it will not diminish him in the eyes of his people”.
“To hold a new born baby, so vulnerable and soft in my rough hands, hands that for too long had held only picks and shovels, was a profound joy”.
He did gardening, boxing, exercises, play tennis to keep himself going while he was in prison..he puts it simply that in any situation in your life you are left with only two options either submit or fight..We all know what is the option he stood for..He stood for his men and community..If all those men are leading a decent life in South Africa.. They should thank him and the men who fought for them..
It is my duty to thank A.B. Devilliers because he was the one who had mentioned about Madiba’s autobiography as inspirational and one book that everybody should read in their life.. Thanks ABD for urging me to read this book through your book, though I was not satisfied reading your Autobiography.. Felt completely happy and satisfied reading Madiba’s work...
Hope is what Mandela insists on through out his journey..How true it is in any context and especially during the current pandemic..the world is missing a leader like him..
Few of those moments are
“What moved me most was a brief image of Winston Churchill weeping after he heard the news of the loss of the British Vessel. The image stayed in my memory for a long time, and demonstrated to me leader can show sorrow in public and it will not diminish him in the eyes of his people”.
“To hold a new born baby, so vulnerable and soft in my rough hands, hands that for too long had held only picks and shovels, was a profound joy”.
He did gardening, boxing, exercises, play tennis to keep himself going while he was in prison..he puts it simply that in any situation in your life you are left with only two options either submit or fight..We all know what is the option he stood for..He stood for his men and community..If all those men are leading a decent life in South Africa.. They should thank him and the men who fought for them..
It is my duty to thank A.B. Devilliers because he was the one who had mentioned about Madiba’s autobiography as inspirational and one book that everybody should read in their life.. Thanks ABD for urging me to read this book through your book, though I was not satisfied reading your Autobiography.. Felt completely happy and satisfied reading Madiba’s work...
Hope is what Mandela insists on through out his journey..How true it is in any context and especially during the current pandemic..the world is missing a leader like him..
August 24, 2020
It was a great listen. It is paramount for our society to now of black men such as this.
August 22, 2021
" with freedom come responsibilities"
Nelson Mandela
#inspiration
Nelson Mandela
#inspiration
December 19, 2022
História de vida absorvente! Tive muita dificuldade em parar de ler todas as noites.
February 4, 2021
As always in life it wasn't obvious walk. Boring beginning but it is worth to keep reading ❤️
March 2, 2023
A wonderful account from Nelson Mandela, not only of the history of the fight for equality in South Africa but also his own personal thoughts and takes. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Danny Glover. This was beautifully done.
November 12, 2023
He was literrary a terrorist......
June 11, 2021
A great man who led an inspiring life. His accounts are worth hearing from his POV but his ramblings were often tedious.
December 7, 2019
A long book, but totally worth it!
July 22, 2020
It is as if yourself and Mandela are sitting side by side at a bar, and he is telling you his story over pints. Gentle in its tone, honest, and always interesting. An almost conversational narrative easily enjoyed.
November 26, 2019
This book is a dream read.It gives us an insight into the man himself.What a life!What a person!What experiences !What patience!I can go on and on.I would recommend it as a must read as it helps you to introspect about your qualities as a human being.
April 14, 2020
This is a lengthy write by Nelson which talks about the story/life which resulted in becoming a president of South Africa.
Long Walk to Freedom starts from the childhood of Nelson,his teenage,hostel days and ends up with his late adult stage,where as he is pictured as a crucial member of ANC Party and a Candidate for President Elections in Africa.
The Best Touching Portions of this book are:
-His Teenage hostel days where he faced discrimination
-ANC Party life in his youth which ended up in imprisonment of 27 Damn years!
-Jail Life which consists of extreme discrimination about black and whites even in serving food,clothing,communicating as well.
-Sacrificing his family life(finally getting separated)
-Becoming a star among world leaders after getting released from Prison
Its a wonderful read,even though it took me 2 months to accomplish this!
Long Walk to Freedom starts from the childhood of Nelson,his teenage,hostel days and ends up with his late adult stage,where as he is pictured as a crucial member of ANC Party and a Candidate for President Elections in Africa.
The Best Touching Portions of this book are:
-His Teenage hostel days where he faced discrimination
-ANC Party life in his youth which ended up in imprisonment of 27 Damn years!
-Jail Life which consists of extreme discrimination about black and whites even in serving food,clothing,communicating as well.
-Sacrificing his family life(finally getting separated)
-Becoming a star among world leaders after getting released from Prison
Its a wonderful read,even though it took me 2 months to accomplish this!
September 4, 2011
This book is the story of a freedom fighter, from his childhood till his mid forties. It shows that the person is not born as a freedom fighter, it is his life, the environment he lives in, and the oppression he goes through which contribute to shape his life as a fighter. This book also shows that freedom may require the use of many tactics to be gained. Sometimes, non violence by itself does not work others it is the only way to freedom. The experience of Mandella can be applied in similar contexts today. For sure, it needs customization to the situation and the enemy, it needs further study, but in general many lessons learnt and success tactics can be applied to countries where oppression is widespread.
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March 22, 2020An emotional yet intriguing story of a man who was so determined to be free that he fought for the freedom of every oppressed person in his country and negotiated for the freedom of the oppressor. He could not become the best at everything, but he emerged legendary at what he was convinced he could do best. His life as a freedom fighter deprived him an opportunity to be the best husband and father that he would otherwise become.
May 19, 2007
i knew a little bit about the horrifying legacy of apartheid. but what i didn't really understand was it's magnitude, scope, and precise ability to cut into every aspect of life. Mandela's account fills in all the details for you in a very (com)passionate way. great quick read!
February 13, 2012
This book is amazing...What a iconic life he had. Few events in his book would be memorable all through my life. The book has taught me so many hard lessons of life. One thing that really bothered & strange was when Madiba & Winnie went for divorce.
March 9, 2016
I loved this book and his story. It was fascinating to read the history of my country and the role Nelson played in the present South Africa. He was an amazing person and this book was very easy to read. Truly life changing.
June 30, 2018
A superbly written book which evokes many emotions throughout. Nelson Mandela and all of the others who supported the ANC deserve their rightful place in history. Together they changed the lives of millions of South Africans and left the world in a better place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews