Nelson Mandela: A Life in Photographs
*Starred Review* Another Mandela biography? Yes, and even library collections that have Mandela: The Authorized Portrait (2006) will benefit from this beautiful, oversize photo biography, which includes, published in full, the South African leader’s six great historic speeches, with a detailed overview of the apartheid struggle as well as an essay on Mandela’s personal role in the country’s history. Highly readable, up-to-date, and relatively inexpensive, the volume features more than 100 beautifully reproduced photos, many of them in color, on most of the spacious double-page spreads. No slogans here. With great insight about the history, the speeches include “No Easy Walk to Freedom” (1953), given upon Mandela’s election as president of the African National Congress; “An Ideal for Which I Am Prepared to Die” (1964), delivered at the Rivonia Trial, where he was sentenced to life; his response to the Soweto uprising in 1976; his remarks when released from prison (1990); his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993; and his inaugural address as president of South Africa (1994). With clear, unobtrusive footnotes explaining the references in the speeches, the book is designed for both browsers and those who want to read every word, with very spacious type on thick, high-quality paper. The up-to-date coverage includes not only the photos with celebrities (Princess Diana and Rosa Parks) but also recent images in glowing color, including a final stunning portrait with an aerial view of Robben Island. --Hazel Rochman