His quest for racial justice for black South Africans as a leader of the African National Congress led to 27 years of imprisonment. Following intense international pressure on the Apartheid government, he was finally freed in 1990. Everyone should know the life story of Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of all time, the first black president of South Africa and a major world statesman. His inspiring life receives a fresh retelling in this new biography written especially for general readers and students. This volume is an authoritative and enjoyable way not only to understand a great man, but also to understand a critical time in world history and race relations. Through the landmark presidency of South Africa and post Nobel Peace Prize years, up until today, he has continued as a peacemaker and agent for change. A timeline, photo essay and selected bibliography complement the narrative.