Books

THE TRUE FIRST EDITION - RANDBURG 2194 SOUTH AFRICA - WITH A PERSONAL DEDICATION FROM NELSON MANDELA DATED THE 25TH JUNE 1997 - THE DAY THAT HE WAS PRESENTED WITH THE PIERRE DE COUBERTIN WORLD FAIR PLAY TROPHY IN PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA: Importantly, this is the true first impression with First Published in South Africa in 1994 stated on the copyright page, and with no later printings listed. The book is firm and square. The covers are clean, with light spine end nudges only. The pages are clean throughout, with a bit of page edge tone starting { see my images }; in a complete original dust jacket, clean and bright, very good even colour, very light extremity rubs only { see images }. The personal dedication to Michael Robinson is as follows "To Michael Robinson, Best Wishes and Success to you, N Mandela 25.6.97". This suggests that the recipient was present on this special day and that he had shared time with Nelson Mandela. In my view, the warmth of this dedication enhances the book. So many Flat Signed examples are reeled off one after another. This book is unique and does not fall into that category. p.630, Maps on lining papers, illustrations, includes index. NOTE: �PRETORIA, JUNE 25, 1997 �- "The International Committee for Fair Play presents every year its highest distinction - the Pierre de Coubertin Fair Play Award - to an outstanding athlete or personality who by his or her exceptional behaviour serves an example to the world. Prof. Dr. Norbert Muller: 'On behalf of the International Committee for Fair Play I have the honour of presenting today the highest international distinction for fair play to a man who according to our criteria has set a truly extraordinary and extremely impressive example of the spirit of fair play for the youth of all countries - �to you, esteemed President Nelson Mandela'. You explain in your book "Long Walk to Freedom" how much your own experiences as an athlete served as a decisive help and guide. It is very important, Mister President, that you should have expressed this so clearly. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, rightly emphasized on many occasions participation in sports is the foundation of man's moral strength, and this, Mister President, you have experienced in your own long life. You were in your youth, esteemed President Nelson Mandela, a successful boxer, you also played football and competed in cross-country races. You steeled your body and soul through those precious lessons for a hard, lifelong battle and you managed to overcome many hardships through fair play, which is why we honour you today. You have personally suffered from illness, humiliation, and injury in your 28 years of imprisonment, but you have sublimated this into a feeling of brotherhood and reconciliation between the black and white population of your great country, South Africa. You have applied your sense of fair play acquired in sport to the political life of South Africa, and you have emerged as a legitimate ?and especially as a fair- spokesman - for your Continent in many difficult missions. When for the first time, after decades of absence, a racially mixed team entered the Olympic arena of Barcelona in 1992, you Mister President, having played an essential role in this normalisation process, were present in person to attend that event. The International Committee for Fair Play thus honors today Mister Nelson Mandela as an exceptional example of a personality who has applied the principles of fair play to public life, principles which are the foundation not only of sport but also of all social engagements in which the dignity and worth of each and every person is respected." { Source: 60 years of Fair Play Awards } [ S.J.] WE ARE OPEN TO SENSIBLE OFFERS.

Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiographical work written by Nelson Mandela, detailing his early life, education, and 27 years in prison. The book is a moving and inspiring story of one man's struggles and triumphs.