The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, Long Walk to Freedom brilliantly re-creates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. Emotive, compelling and uplifting,Long Walk to Freedom is the exhilarating story of an epic life;a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph told with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.

As readers will discover, this book has a long history. I began writing it clandestinely in 1974 during my imprisonment on Robben Island. Without the tireless labour of my old comrades Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada for reviving my memories,it is doubtful the manuscript would have been completed. The copy of the manuscript which I kept with me was discovered by the authorities and confiscated. However, in addition to their unique calligraphic skills, my co-prisoners Mac Maharaj and Isu Chiba had ensured that the original manuscript safely reached its destination. I resumed work on it after my release from prison in 1990.

     Acknowledgements

Part One: A Country Childhood

Part Two: Johannesburg

Part Three: Birth of a Freedom Fighter

Part Four: The Struggle Is My Life

Part Five:  Treason

Part Six:  The Black Pimpernel

Part Seven: Rivonia

Part Eight: Robben Island: The Dark Years

Part Nine: Robben Island: Beginning to Hope

Part Ten:  Talking with the Enemy

Part Eleven: Freedom

     Index