The Cambridge Companion to Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is one of the most revered figures of our time, having committed himself to a compelling political cause, suffered a long prison sentence, and led his violent and divided country to a peaceful democratic transition. His legacy, however, is not uncontested. From his decision to embark on an armed struggle in the 1960s, to his solitary talks with apartheid officials in the 1980s, to the economic policies adopted during his presidency, these aspects of his life and more still spark intense debate.

Written by experts in multiple subjects including history, jurisprudence, and visual studies, the Companion addresses these and other issues of the life of iconic Mandela, including his relation to “tradition” and “modernity,” the impact of his most famous public performances, the oscillation between Africanist and non-racial positions in South Africa, and the politics of gender and national sentiment during his time as a political figure. The essays examine how Mandela became the icon he is today, and consider the meanings and uses of his internationally recognizable image.