The autobiography of global human rights icon Nelson Mandela is "riveting . . . both a brilliant description of a diabolical system and a testament to the power of the spirit to transcend it" (Washington Post).
Nelson Mandela was one of the great moral and political leaders of his time: an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country. After his triumphant release in 1990 from more than a quarter-century of imprisonment, Mandela was at the center of the most compelling and inspiring political drama in the world. As president of the African National Congress and head of South Africa's antiapartheid movement, he was instrumental in moving the nation toward multiracial government and majority rule. He is still revered everywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality.
Long Walk to Freedom is his moving and exhilarating autobiography, destined to take its place among the finest memoirs of history's greatest figures. Here for the first time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela told the extraordinary story of his life -- an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph.
The book that inspired the major motion picture Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Download and start listening now!
"The story of Nelson Mandela is an amazing story. It is remarkable that this man opposed and defeated apartheid through a very systematic use of the rule of law, a rule of law that was maintained by an oppressor. The story of how apartheid was implemented is instructive and insidious. There is a common thread of an enslavement of a continent by Europeans that have been very destructive to Africans. I have thought in the past that Capitalism was an engine that brought people to their creative best. I think that there is a flaw in the way that economic benefits have not equally redounded to the benefit of all on a more equitable basis. I guess I view the history of the African continent as one of being exploited by the Western world. There are many lessons to be taken from the life of Mandela. It is amazing to me that he maintained his sanity in experiencing so much discrimination and racism. There are ways that I find him remarkable and yet this autobiography paints him in the light of an ordinary man in many ways. His life also brings to light the need for all of us to be a force for justice in the world. The struggle for equity in human relations is a constant struggle for all of us."
— Robert (5 out of 5 stars)
“Should be read by every person alive.”
— Boston Sunday Globe“Narrator Michael Boatman has a gentle but insistent voice that suggests a certain grace and is well suited for the memoir of this worldwide symbol of persistence and justice…Boatman’s authentic pronunciation of South African tribes and other words also lends great credibility to his reading.”
— AudioFile“An engrossing tapestry of recent South African history that grips the reader from the first pages…Riveting and sometimes painfully honest.”
— San Francisco Chronicle“One of the most extraordinary political tales of the twentieth century and well worth the investment for anyone truly interested in the genesis of greatness.”
— Financial Times (London)“To read of Nelson Mandela’s fascinating journey…is to be reminded of the indomitable human spirit. Yet the reminder is delivered with such grace and subtlety that it intensifies its meaning.”
— San Diego Union-Tribune“The famously taciturn South African president reveals much of himself in Long Walk to Freedom. A good deal of this autobiography was written secretly while Mandela was imprisoned for twenty-seven years.”
— Amazon.com“This fluid memoir matches South African President Mandela’s stately grace with wise reflection on his life and the freedom struggle that defined it…The story fascinates.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“This is an articulate, moving account of Mandela’s life…Highly recommended for all collections.”
— Library Journal“This memoir is remarkably free of polemics, self-pity, and self-aggrandizement. It is the work of a man who has led by action and examplea man who is one of the few genuine heroes we have.”
— Kirkus ReviewsIrresistible...One of the few political autobiographies that's also a page-turner.
— Los Angeles Times Book Review" "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela is a riveting autobiography that chronicles Mandela's extraordinary life journey from anti-apartheid activism to becoming South Africa's first black president. Mandela's narrative is not just a personal account but a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring power of hope. The book provides profound insights into the struggle against racial oppression, offering a poignant perspective on Mandela's commitment to justice and reconciliation. The storytelling is both compelling and reflective, making this memoir a timeless and inspirational read for those seeking a deeper understanding of one of history's most influential figures. "
— Jerry, 12/7/2023" This was indeed a LONG walk. Since Mandela is not a writer by trade, many passages were exhausting and disorganized. Besides the difficulty, though, this was an excellent book. Mandela's voice was very honest, as he admitted to his mistakes during the struggle for freedom, and I was surprised to learn about his role in the violent "uprisings" that he claims helped to bring about the end of apartheid. While I believe that apartheid could have been ended through international pressure, economic sabotage, and strikes and protests, I can't say for sure because I wasn't there. Overall, this loooong book was very worth it and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in race issues or modern African history. "
— Valarie, 1/29/2014" Interesting take on life under Apartheid and the ANC. Book is as long as the Walk! "
— Chris, 1/16/2014" JUST HOPE THT OUR BELOVED COUNTRY CAN FOLLOW TATA'S WAY OF LIFE THAN OUR COUNTRY WOULD BE MUCH BETTER!!!! "
— Shandon, 1/7/2014" It is obvious that this autobiography has been written by an educated/erudite man, trained as a lawyer. In fact, he and his partner set up the first black legal office in South Africa. He uses many African words throughout the book, but also provides a translation for those words. The narrative is very detailed in its explanation of the formation of the ANC (African National Congress)of which he was a part. I wanted to read his autobiography to understand why Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison (that is fully discussed) and what enabled him to endure. During his incarceration he not only acted as legal counsel for some of the inmates who were unjustly imprisoned, but he also taught classes to the uneducated African men (not political prisoners) who were also at Robben Island (his prison). The reader can expect to read of the indignities suffered by Mandela and other black political prisoners, but the book does not dwell on that. This is a book that will appeal to readers who care about injustice and inequality and the enduring search for freedom in all its forms. "
— Sandra, 1/6/2014" I read an abridged version, so maybe missed out a bit. Mandela is amazing and his story is interesting, but the the book was written in such a matter-of-fact way that I think it didn't communicate his story as powerfully as it could have been told. I would like to have heard more about his thoughts and personal struggles, as well as how his personal philosophy developed, but then maybe that's what was lost in the abridged version. Autobiographies are sometimes disappointing. Still, I would recommend the book as an overview of Mandela's life. "
— Debbie, 1/1/2014" An excellent book--very compelling story of such a profound leader...a must read for all who want to learn about authentic leadership. "
— Emillam, 12/31/2013" Not the easiest to read, but great way to get to understand the character of a person of such strong will in the midst of suffocating oppression. "
— Moses, 12/26/2013" Fantastic and inspiring read. Long but easily absorbed. What a wise and powerful figure had to endure on the road tro lead South Africa out of apartheid is brilliantly and for the most part humbly portrayed by Mandela. "
— Ian, 12/26/2013" This should be mandatory reading for anyone wanting to use the words South Africa in any conversation. In fact, it should be mandatory reading. Period. "
— Sergio, 12/6/2013" Totally inspiring. "
— Myriam, 11/8/2013" Put this on your to-read list immediately. A thrilling read, which is just so rare for an autobiography. "
— theladyv, 10/29/2013" I learned many things from Nelson Mandela. The most important was how to forgive. "
— April, 10/23/2013" Inspiring,what a man should be. "
— Sonny, 3/21/2013" For an autobiography, this book was not that bad. It is simply lengthy. "
— Rena, 11/8/2012" Nelson Mandela is an amazing person, and what they accomplished in South Africa is unique. There is a lot of detail that is of limited interest to a person who is not African. "
— Frank, 8/28/2012" Read it on the subway when I lived in Queens and worked in NJ. Made me completely forget where I was. Amazing journey, amazing man. "
— Sandra, 7/7/2012" Excellent book about the life of a leader. The most important point in the book is the transformation from using/justifying violence to dismantle the apartheid system to accepting political dialogue with the Afrikaners. The decision was taken by Mr. Mandela, a very bold and courageous step. "
— Ahmed, 1/7/2012" An "easy" read despite the length. Very engaging. "
— BJM, 12/30/2011" It would take a book within itself to write about what I learned from this book, this man. All I can say is that his life should be the blueprint for Men and Women everywhere. Read it, you won't regret it! "
— Marc, 9/19/2011" I love how straightforward Mandela is; his ability to report his own history without pride or defense continually surprises and amazes me. "
— Susanna, 8/17/2011" Theres a lot to learn from this man about so many things. About life, politics, tenacity, humility, influencing. Just loved the matter of factly way in which he writes. A bit too long though. "
— Abhinav, 7/20/2011" Lots and lots of details. Would have been better if I had more knowledge about South African history. "
— ashish, 7/3/2011" awesome book....very precious lessons to learn from his life. Only wondering what took me so long to pick up this book! "
— Parveen, 7/1/2011" Long and kind of hard to read, given that the history of the country is not as much a part of my history as it could be. But, a fascinating life and heroic figure. "
— Ali, 6/30/2011" I have often said that it is impossible to accomplish a lot AND be universally popular and this man's book and his life is a quintessential example of the veracity of that statement. Well worth reading... "
— Travis, 6/26/2011" A great book for community organizers. "
— Luis, 6/20/2011" Probably the most inspiring book I'll ever read. The man is superhuman. It's a good one to read if you're feeling sorry for yourself. It will knock you into shape! "
— Neilbazza, 6/11/2011" This was an excellent read. Some aspects of it challenged me (such as his decision to embrace violence), but I appreciated Mandela's candor in discussing the subject. I came away with deep respect for Mandela and his politics even if I disagree with some of his methods. "
— Steve, 6/4/2011" After 5 months I finally finished this book and I'm so glad I did. What a remarkable leader and person Mandela is! His life is an example of sacrifice, patience, will power, and love of fellow men. "
— Jessica, 5/30/2011" The audio version of this book is especially well done. "
— Steve, 5/23/2011" An amazing insight into an amazing man. "
— James, 5/20/2011" It took me a while to read this book (a whole year, which is long for me). It was an amazing book and story of Mandela's life. "
— Marilyn, 5/16/2011Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) won the Novel Peace Prize in 1993 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President George W. Bush, among many other accolades. He became the first freely elected president of South Africa in 1994. He gained popularity while in prison for being a prominent member of the African National Congress and became a leading figure in the anti-apartheid movement. He authored numerous works, including the New York Times bestseller Conversations with Myself, as well as his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
Michael Boatman is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and twice winner of the prestigious Audie Award for narration. He is a versatile television, film, and stage actor whose work on the hit TV show Spin City garnered him a GLAAD Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and nominations for two NAACP Image Awards. For his work playing Stanley Babson on the long-running HBO series ARLI$$, he was nominated five times for the Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.