Nelson Mandela: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #188

by Elleke Boehmer

Nelson Mandela--is it possible to say who or what he is? Yes, he was one of the world's longest-detained political prisoners. He is a universal symbol of social justice certainly; an exemplary figure connoting non-racialism and democracy; a moral giant. For years a man cut off from the world, Mandela became after his 1990 release an internationally recognizable icon. But why should his story be important to us in the world at large today? What do his achievements signify not only nationally in South Africa but also internationally? This book is about the different, interconnected stories, histories, values and symbols that Nelson Mandela embodies. Across his life Mandela has filled a rich range of roles: handsome city-slicker, dashing guerrilla, the millennial saviour figure. By examining these different roles as well as the principles which lie behind and motivate them, this Very Short Introduction presents an analytical portrait of a shape-shifting life. Set within a biographical frame, the book offers a more deeply personal analysis of Mandela than biographies centred on the towering public figure have been able provide.
About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Genres: History, Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, Africa, South Africa, Biography Memoir

204 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jacob Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got off to a slow start, with a bit of academic shop talk about how academics have written about Mandela. But after that, the book was engrossing. It covers Mandela’s biography well and then goes on to consider him topically, based on the different roles he played in his life. I usually don’t like the topical treatment because it seems lazy and unhelpful, but this was very well done and accomplished its purpose – it makes clear how many roles Mandela had to play to succeed (and he knew he was performing for all the world to watch) and how well he did it. By the end of the book, I was amazed at the man. The fact that he spent 27 years in prison and emerged as a conciliator is astonishing, and it was only possible through his deliberate choices to eschew violence and steer towards unity. This book is not all praise, of course. Mandela was flawed and constrained by the circumstances of his age and South Africa’s political and social realities. But he also struggled mightily to overcome the bad and ultimately held his country together through wise though painful compromises and his very carefully cultivated charisma and moral authority.

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This "very short introduction" to the life and accomplishments of Nelson Mandela was my first foray into the life of an incredible leader. The book is well written and positive towards Mandela (though admitting he had his flaws, as we all do). I really enjoyed the complete picture it painted of his life's trajectory.

This short book allows the reader to see how great leadership sometimes really is all about the right person, at the right time, in the specific circumstances. Mandela was insightful, wise, and charming. However, he was also a lifelong learner who continued to grow as a leader by learning at each phase of his life. His view of the worth and dignity of every person shines forth in this little book.

If you're looking for a "very short" introductory biography of one of the 20th century's most interesting leader, this book about Mandela fits the bill.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly academic in its approach. But informative.

[Courtney Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book: Nelson Mandela: A Very Short Introduction

The author: Elleke Boehmer, Professor of World Literature in English at the University of Oxford

The subject: A biography of Nelson Mandela looking at the different roles he fulfilled throughout his life.

Why I chose it: After Mandela's death I realised I only knew basic things about him and wanted to find out more. In particular, I saw people on Facebook saying he was a communist and a terrorist and couldn’t figure out why from what I knew.

The rating: Four out of five stars

What I thought of it: I'm really glad that this was the first book I picked up about Nelson Mandela. I love the author's approach of looking at all the different roles Mandela played throughout his life. It is a lot more effective than a straight biography. The book can be a bit heavy-going at times, particularly if you're like me and aren't familiar with the way in which academics in the humanities write. However, it's still very well-written and its difficulty is probably a function of it being so short -- Boehmer has to cover a lot of ground in not very many pages -- as well as the structure being unorthodox. I also appreciate her willingness to be critical of Mandela about subjects such as his slow response to the AIDS crisis, while still maintaining perspective.

With regards to the reason I picked this book up: I see now why a certain type of person might consider Mandela a communist and terrorist, but thankfully also see how horribly misguided that certain type of person is. In fact, Mandela was relatively un-radical compared to his contemporaries and it took him a long time to accept communism as it was viewed as un-African, and even then he didn't fully embrace it. Also, while he did resort to violence, he and his fellow protesters were very careful to sabotage, rather than terrorise, only targeting sites where there would be no people to be injured. Peaceful protest is all well and good, but in apartheid-stricken South Africa black people's rights to this were eroded to the point of non-existence. What else could they have done? And if Mandela was a terrorist, what of all the leaders who supported apartheid?

All in all, I definitely recommend this book both to those familiar with Mandela and those who only know him as the political prisoner who became President of South Africa. It is far more than just a biography.

Just one more thing: This article is generally very interesting and covers important political ground, but the opening paragraph is just hilarious and shows one of Mandela’s many facets.

Asked for his feelings on meeting the Spice Girls in 1997 – shortly after Mel B had compared their "girl power quest" with the anti-apartheid movement – Nelson Mandela obliged. "I don't want to be emotional," he explained, "but this is one of the greatest moments of my life."

[Intikhab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nelson Mandela: A Very Short Introduction explains the treacherous life of one of the world's longest-detained political prisoner in an interesting and engaging manner. Elleke Boehmer has got a lucid style and flowing style to present the stunning details of Nelson Mandela's political career, personal life, days in prison, and the swift change his political ideology underwent. I can imagine it would not have been an easy task for Boehmer to cover Nelson Mandela's multi faceted life in less than 200 pages. The book is a fine reflection of Boehmer's intellect and intelligence. A very good book to read for all those who want to peep into one of the world's greatest leaders.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The VSI edition I read is by Erica Boehmer.

Boehmer's study is an excellent, if a little tough going, examination of an extraordinary life. Rather than spend too long describing the biographical details, she tries to put Mandela in perspective of a whole series of inter-connected contexts: national hero, political leader, moral icon, public persona etc. Refreshingly, the author is not afraid to critique the great man, and this step back to examine his influences and legacy gives the book substantial punch.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incisive account of the making of an iconic figure who above all represented generosity and tolerance at its broadest and most magnificent...

[Jesse Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coincidentally, I had been in the middle of reading this. So hearing the news of Mandela's passing, I decided to finish it today.

[Gugu Maduna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandela is a real icon regardless of the circumstances he went through. He never gave up and believed that all is possible.

[Martha Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written by Elleke Boehmer, not Tom Lodge. Odd.