A remarkable statesman and one of the world’s longest-detained political prisoners (1964-90), Nelson Mandela has become an exemplary figure of anti-racist struggle and democracy, a moral giant. This fascinating and uncompromising biographical study paints a complex portrait of Mandela that goes beyond hagiography: it examines his quality of character, his theatrical flair, his maverick ability to absorb transnational influences, his steely survival skills, his postmodern ease with media image, and his ethical legacy.

A remarkable statesman and one of the world’s longest-detained political prisoners (1964-90), Nelson Mandela has become an exemplary figure of anti-racist struggle and democracy, a moral giant. This fascinating and uncompromising biographical study paints a complex portrait of Mandela that goes beyond hagiography: it examines his quality of character, his theatrical flair, his maverick ability to absorb transnational influences, his steely survival skills, his postmodern ease with media image, and his ethical legacy.