Knowing Mandela: A Personal Portrait

John Carlin

Dec 2013 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

The acclaimed journalist shares a “thoughtful blend of biography and personal encounters” with the South African president and anti-apartheid activist (Publishers Weekly).

Equal parts freedom fighter and statesman, Nelson Mandela built a legacy that places him in the pantheon of history’s most exemplary leaders. In Knowing Mandela, journalist John Carlin offers an intimate portrait of Mandela the man.

As a foreign correspondent based in South Africa, Carlin had unique access to Mandela during the post-apartheid years when the transformative leader faced his most daunting obstacles and achieved his greatest triumphs. Carlin witnessed history as Mandela was released from prison after twenty-seven years and ultimately ascended to the presidency of his strife-torn country.

Drawing on exclusive conversations with Mandela and countless interviews with people who were close to him, Carlin has crafted an account of a man who was neither saint nor superman. Mandela’s seismic political victories were won at the cost of much personal unhappiness and disappointment.

Ratings and reviews

An interesting read, will make you think about your personal behavior and legacy.

Democrat Acclaimed...Big Politic....*Edwin Noria*

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About the author

John Carlin is an acclaimed journalist and author who was the Independent 's South Africa correspondent from 1989 to 1995. He has also written for the Times, the Observer, the Sunday Times, and the New York Times, among other publications. His previous books include Knowing Mandela and Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation, which is the basis for the film Invictus.