This beautiful book about Nelson Mandela captures the most memorable moments of his life in rarely published photographs.  The supporting text is taken from the French translation of Mandela's biography by Anthony Sampson, friend and confidante.

Nelson Mandela is the only great contemporary figure to have become a legend whilst serving a 27-year prison sentence for planning acts of sabotage in apartheid South Africa.  After his release on 11 February 1990 he changed the course of history in a separate and simmering South Africa, to build democracy and create the "rainbow nation".  It was his strength of will alone that led to the opening of negotiations with the white nationalist government and the acceptance of his policy of reconciliation by his enemies.  He was elected by the people and did not cling to power.

Wrought and strengthened by his ordeal, he learnt to think "with his brain, not with his passion".  He remained true to his principles in the face of pressure and temptation.

From 1948 onwards and with the victory of Dr Danie Malan's Nationalist Party, each successive government imposed total, institutionalised racial segregation on non-Europeans (Blacks, Coloureds, and Indians). This segregation was called Apartheid.

Apartheid was ended peacefully by Nelson Mandela.

Through his political genius, his commitment and his moral strength, he gave the world a lesson in freedom and generosity.