A new and highly revealing look at one of the most celebrated political figures of our times. Drawing upon a range of original sources, Tom Lodge explores the making of a modern-day political hero, from Mandela's childhood years through to his role as a statesman in the construction of the new South Africa.

1. Childhood and Upbringing ; 2. Becoming a Notable ; 3. Volunteer-in-Chief ; 4. Making a Messiah ; 5. Trials ; 6. Prisoner 466/64 ; 7. Leading from Prison ; 8. Messianic Politics and the Transition to Democracy ; 9. Embodying the Nation

`The best overall assessment of Mandela to date... Readers who want to understand Mandela's symbolic and actual achievements - and what he failed to accomplish during his presidency - will find more information, insight, and judgment in this slim volume than in the many weightier titles devoted to this protean figure. ' The Atlantic `Mr Lodge's elegant biography will be essential reading for anyone wishing to look behind the myth. He has a strong feel for South Africa's history. His anecdotes are well chosen and insightful, and serve to remind the reader that Mr Mandela, although an exceptional figure, still remains all too human.' The Economist `In this illuminating biography....Lodge makes an important contribution with his argument that Mandela's appeal rests in his ability to personify his political beliefs.' Publishers Weekly `[a] thoughtful and educated appraisal' Rodger Hutchinson, The Scotsman `Lodge tells the story at a cracking pace...The strength of this book is that it tells its extraordinary tale with clarity, narrative focus and analytical shrewdness, teasing out the man from the encrusted myth' Bryan Roston, Tribune `Unquestionably the most analytically incisive and discerning of the Nelson Mandela biographies. ' Bill Nasson, University of Cape Town `Authoritative and fair-minded... Deserves to be read widely. ' Adam Roberts, The Economist `A fascinating, indeed riveting, and plausible as well as persuasive examination of why Nelson Mandela should have acquired a world following and can remain as he does an iconic figure even in the 21st century. It is certain to provoke much heated debate.' Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The essential Mandela - his life, political thought, and significance The first book to probe the origins of Mandela's heroic appeal - and his own role in forging it Draws on a range of original sources to offer a clear-sighted, objective assessment Presents a host of fresh insights into the development of Mandela's political thinking, from his youth, through imprisonment, to his presidency of the new South Africa Highlights the crucial interplay between Mandela's background and personal world and his public life

Tom Lodge was a member of the Department of Political Studies at the University of Witwatersrand between 1978 and 2005. He is now Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Limerick University in Ireland. He has also worked in the United States as Director of the Africa Program at the Social Science Research Council. He is the author of five other books on South African politics, including an authoritative history text on the post-Second World War history of black resistance.

The essential Mandela - his life, political thought, and significance The first book to probe the origins of Mandela's heroic appeal - and his own role in forging it Draws on a range of original sources to offer a clear-sighted, objective assessment Presents a host of fresh insights into the development of Mandela's political thinking, from his youth, through imprisonment, to his presidency of the new South Africa Highlights the crucial interplay between Mandela's background and personal world and his public life