In His Own Words [Paperback]

Nelson Mandela (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2004

IN HIS OWN WORDS is a selection of Nelson Mandela's speeches, providing a lively, memorable profile of his lifelong commitment to freedom and reconciliation, democracy, and the flourishing of all the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. Arranged thematically, each section of speeches is introduced by a leading figure, such as Kofi Annan and Desmond Tutu. In these introductory essays, the authors pay tribute to Nelson Mandela's achievements, animating their accounts with personal memories, stories and reflections. Covering a range of topics of our times - struggle and reconciliation, freedom, religion and nation building, culture, education and health, children and development - the book also features Mandela's own tributes to South African heroes such as Steve Biko, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This collection by former South African President Mandela presents the Nobel laureate's speeches on a wide variety of subjects. The book is organized topically; each section—on struggle, freedom, reconciliation, nation building, development, education and culture—is introduced with an essay by a leading spokesperson for the respective field (e.g., Bill Cosby, Desmond Tutu). Together, the speeches chart Mandela's evolution from freedom fighter (some might say "terrorist") to president to secular icon. Included is Mandela's famous speech to the Rivonia court before his sentencing on charges of insurrection, as well as his commentary on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The sections on culture include essays on "Music, Dance, and Poetry" and "One City, Many Cultures." The cultural sections allow the reader to sense the fullness of Mandela's life beyond his political leadership. The collection forms an important record of the thoughts of a compelling historical figure and makes a nice companion to Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. But because the writings included are predominantly public statements, speeches and proclamations, the book suffers from redundancy and a somewhat monotonous style. 16 pages of b&w photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* "A transforming leader . . . like Gandhi or King." "The single most admired, most respected international figure in the entire world." Beyond the images of saintly icon, this collection of Mandela's speeches shows why he remains a universal hero. In addition to the speeches, the volume includes sharp, insightful commentary by political leaders, South African and international, who discuss Mandela's amazing capacity for forgiveness; his commitment to reconciliation but also to justice; and his pride in his African identity. His stirring words also mark the landmarks in his country's history over 50 years, from his court address before being imprisoned for life, to his speech on his release 27 years later, his address on being elected prime minister, and his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. Then there are his eloquent tributes to his fellow freedom fighters, such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and his memorials to those who died in the struggle, including Steve Biko, Ruth First, and many more, who were tortured and assassinated by the apartheid regime. Still an activist engaged with crucial issues, he calls on today's leaders to deal with poverty, education, AIDS, and other health issues ("kick polio out of Africa"). A much-needed companion to Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom (1994), this volume will be in great demand for the personal drama, the history, and, yes, for the inspiring moral values. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 6244 pages
• Publisher: Abacus (December 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0349117764
• ISBN-13: 978-0349117768
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.9 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #788,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Mandela, Nelson

More About the Author

Nelson Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa, on July 18, 1918. He joined the African National Congress in 1944 and was engaged in resistance against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies after 1948. He was incarcerated at Robben Island prison from 1964 to 1982 and then moved to Pollsmoor Prison, during which time his reputation as a potent symbol of resistance to apartheid grew steadily. Released from prison in 1990, Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. He is the author of the international bestseller LONG WALK TO FREEDOM.



Author photograph by Andrew Zuckerman © Nelson Mandela Foundation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthy Collection of Thoughts and Vision, April 27, 2005

By 

Vannie Ryanes "Vannie Ryanes/VSR Book Review" (South Orange, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In His Own Words (Hardcover)

IN HIS OWN WORDS is perfect reading for history buffs. There are 545 pages of speeches, addresses and statements of Nelson Mandela. When you read this collection of words by Mr. Mandela, you come away with a better understanding of this man who has dedicated his life to his belief of freedom and equality.

Nelson Mandela is a prolific writer as well as a gifted speaker. There are twelve chapters in IN HIS OWN WORDS. Because of its length, I suggest that you read this book by first reading the topics that most interest you. I started with Education, Health and Culture and was moved by Nelson Mandela's compassion and his tenacity to remain focused in his one man crusade for democracy for all people. As someone who enjoys reading about history, I read the remaining chapters over several weeks and found them to be fascinating. Very much worth reading.

Vannie(~.~)
Work & Family @ BellaOnline.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/Site/workandfamily

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fine compilation, December 20, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In His Own Words (Hardcover)

This is a compilation of Nelson Mandela's speeches divided into twelve categories that run a diverse classification. The topics run the gamut of historical: "Struggle" "Freedom", "Reconciliation", "Nation Building" and "Development"; social: "Education", "Culture", "Religion", "Health" and "Children"; Cross sectional: "Heroes" and "Peace". The collection provides a one source to obtain the works of a key twentieth century person, but like any of these IN HIS OWN WORDS is repetitive and at times boring. Unless needed for a school assignment, this biographical oratory is best savored over several weeks as Mr. Mandela through his words show why he remains an inspirational influential individual whose speeches provide a deep insight into the man, the legend, and an era of transition.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars legendary speeches, February 28, 2005

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In His Own Words (Hardcover)

Rebeccasreads highly recommends IN HIS OWN WORDS for those who have ever wondered how this man moved generations of people to agitate for civil rights. Settle down with this big, big book & relive the ideas that inspired us, & get a rare glimpse of the heroes from another time & another place.

Because these are public speeches, there will be repetition - relax & let the words flow over you. & while most of us won't notice it, what we read from the book in no way indicates the timbre, cadence & nuances of the spoken word, so it would have been a wonderful completion had a DVD sound recording of one or two of Nelson Mandela's speeches been included.

The extraordinary power of IN HIS OWN WORDS is in, once again, hearing legend's way of expressing himself, who, along with Mahatma Gandhi & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of the most articulate, courageous, & respected men of our time. The list of people who contributed their impressions is extraordinary, & illustrates how deeply Nelson Mandela changed our lives & our world.