Knowing Mandela

The acclaimed journalist shares a "thoughtful blend of biography and personal encounters" with the South African president and anti-apartheid activist (Publishers Weekly).

Equal parts freedom fighter and statesman, Nelson Mandela built a legacy that places him in the pantheon of history's most exemplary leaders. In Knowing Mandela, journalist John Carlin offers an intimate portrait of Mandela the man.


As a foreign correspondent based in South Africa, Carlin had unique access to Mandela during the post-apartheid years when the transformative leader faced his most daunting obstacles and achieved his greatest triumphs. Carlin witnessed history as Mandela was released from prison after twenty-seven years and ultimately ascended to the presidency of his strife-torn country.


Drawing on exclusive conversations with Mandela and countless interviews with people who were close to him, Carlin has crafted an account of a man who was neither saint nor superman. Mandela's seismic political victories were won at the cost of much personal unhappiness and disappointment.