A Prisoner in the Garden: Photos, Letters, and Notes

by Nelson Mandela

Contains previously unpublished letters, journal entries, and documents written by the first democratically elected leader of South Africa during his twenty-seven-year political imprisonment on Robben Island, in a volume complemented by image photography and original notes from his best-selling autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Memoir, Africa

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a former President of South Africa, the first to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, who held office from 1994–99.

Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of the African National Congress's armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. The South African courts convicted him on charges of sabotage, as well as other crimes committed while he led the movement against apartheid. In accordance with his conviction, Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.

In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.

Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela supported reconciliation and negotiation, and helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, many have frequently praised Mandela, including former opponents. Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/nelson...

Reviews

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had tons of pictures of the prison, and the things from Nelson Mandela's past. But my burning question about the details of his own family weren't answered but he may not have wanted that included. A really amazing man who endured so much hardship!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It gives you a sense of the true liberating power social memory and archival records can have. Those interested in archives and social justice should enjoy a glance at this quick read.

[Ironflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the perspective of the images of Nelson. There is a power and energy only he can transcend from the photo to resonate in your heart and move you. Vivid and Defiant. I love this one. Truly anything by Mandela is fab!

[Jane Elfring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating examination of papers written during the period of Mandela's imprisonment in several different prisons and how they are being used by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to educate people on that historical period in South Africa. Given the level of scrutiny of his papers by prison authorities, I think it's amazing that so much got through to other people or were kept by him.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book illustrating the power and responsibility of the archival record. "No archival act, it seems, is innocent of power."

[Garryvivianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look at Nelson Mandela's time on Robbin Island while a prisoner.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great archive of Nelson Mandela's life--very interesting! More books should be compiled about people's lives!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was more about gathering records and documents, than about Nelson Mandela himself, but the pictures were interesting to look at.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of Nelson Mandela's letters from prison.

[Margaret Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely fascinating. beautifully designed.