A Prince of the People Shares His Wisdom

In Mandela’s Way the editor of Time magazine gives us a compelling look at the values and precepts by which the avuncular and still-glowing Mandela established himself as an international icon and symbol of freedom. Wisdom and common sense lace the pages of a book that is part memoir and part inspirational how-to, but it is Mr. Stengel’s long friendship with Mandela—spanning some two decades—that gives us the most fascinating glimpses behind the great man’s curtain.

We also are offered a detailed look at life under apartheid and what
led Mandela to devote his life to ending the system that enshrined in
law and custom an evil and torturous system of racism. Among Mandela’s
tools were courage, high principles, and inspirational leadership, and
he shares secrets of all of those with the author. We are also provided
with many anecdotes that display the droll wit and lighter side of the
former president of South Africa.

Mandela’s Way: Fifteen Lessons
on Life, Love and Courage. By Richard Stengel, preface by Nelson
Mandela; Crown, $23; 240 pages.