Sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island for his part in organizing armed rebellion against South Africa's white rulers, Nelson Mandela stayed faithful to his goal of a peaceful, non-racial democracy, and became for many the symbol of hope for their country at the mercy of Apartheid. His release, 27 years later, had a profound effect on his former adversaries and led to a negotiated settlement. Martin Meredith's biography of this man examines not only the successes, but the failures and tragedies, too - his youthful impetuouness, the savagery of his experiences on Robben Island, and his passionate love for his wife Winnie.