Summary
This book, entitled "Nelson Mandela: In His Own Words," is not quite what it claims to be. The text is indeed a compilation of Mr. Mandela's speeches and other public remarks throughout his long and varied life, but it is supplemented by the articles, recollections, judgments and other writings of friends and supporters of his endless efforts to bring about a new system of government and a new way of life in his shattered and weary nation.
Included are only two international contributors of note, Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan. Not of note is a brief message of praise from Fidel Castro. Mr. Mandela's own statement to the Rivonia Trial Court , "I am prepared to die" ranks as one of the great speeches of the 20th century. But when the words veer away from Mr. Mandela's own to become those of others, one is often served a verbal stew apparently designed to link Mr. Mandela with virtually every left- wing cause in the universe.See the full content of this document
Extract
A Famous Leader's Turbulent Life
Mr. Mandela was, by admission, influenced by Marxist thinking in his younger days. On occasion, he has made note of the close alliance between his own party, the African National Congress, and the South African Communist Party. But he has denied ever being a Communist Party membe...
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