Odyssey to Freedom [Hardcover]

George Bizos (Author), Nelson Mandela (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2009

This is the spell-binding autobiography of one of the world's most admired human rights advocates. George Bizos' story, told on a grand scale, begins with his daring rescue of six New Zealand soldiers from the Nazis as a boy in Greece. He arrives in Johannesburg with his father, penniless and unable to speak English. He studies law at Wits and becomes an advocate, building a career on defending the downtrodden against apartheid abuses in a hostile justice system. He becomes the defender of Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and the families of Steve Biko, Chris Hani and the Cradock Four. He mediates in the events around Winnie Mandela and even defends Morgan Tsvangirai in Zimbabwe. These cases are related as gripping courtroom dramas, augmented by the drama behind the scenes. His whole remarkable, courageous, and beneficial life is told in astonishing detail, involving hundreds of colourful characters and anecdotes. This is set to become the autobiography of the decade.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Greece in 1928, George Bizos fled his native Greece after the German invasion of 1941. Arriving with his father in Johannesburg, the 13 year-old understood no English. Yet, he graduated from Wits Law School in 1959 and was admitted to the Johannesburg Bar in 1954. He built an illustrious career on defending victims of apartheid human rights abuses. At present he sits on the bench of the Johannesburg High Court. He is married with three sons and spends much of his spare time gardening.

South Africa's first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela is known throughout the world as a dedicated statesman, an inspired leader and the image of hope for the anti-Apartheid movement. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for many years, and yet his devotion to freedom and justice allowed him to be the focus and heart of the ANC.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 648 pages
• Publisher: Struik Publishers (February 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0958419582
• ISBN-13: 978-0958419581
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,141,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.