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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013)


MANDELA NELSON: (1918-2013) President of South Africa 1994-99. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1993. An extremely rare A.L.S., N R Mandela, one page, 4to (official feint ruled stationery), Victor Verster Prison, Paarl, South Africa, 21st August 1989, to Jack Lennard of The Wilberforce Council. Mandela thanks his correspondent for their letter and states 'I regard it as a singular honour to be invited to become one of the patrons of the Wilberforce Council, an invitation I readily accept', adding 'I will be more than happy to wear the Council's coveted tie.' Mandela further remarks 'My only regret is that my current circumstances will not allow me to play an active role in the affairs of the Council' and proclaims 'Human rights is still one of the world's burning issues of the day, and the work and achievements of Sir Wilberforce (sic, William Wilberforce) is as relevant now as it was in his time'. Mandela has also added his name in capitals and prison number ('1335/88') in his hand at the head of the page. Accompanied by the original Registered envelope hand addressed by Mandela. Together with a printed small 4to folding card issued by the Mandela Family in Soweto and featuring an image of Nelson Mandela alongside the colours of the African National Congress (ANC) and printed caption The People Shall Govern, also with an image of Oliver Tambo above the printed caption Forward to People's Power!, with a further printed image to the verso and typed inscription to Jack Lennard. File holes to the edges of all three items, not affecting the text or signature of the letter. Some very light, extremely minor creasing, VG, 2 William Wilberforce (1759-1833) English Politician & Philanthropist who supported the campaign for the complete abolition of slavery which led to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. Wilberforce, who was never knighted, has been described as a humanitarian reformer who contributed significantly to reshaping the political and social attitudes of his time by promoting concepts of social responsibility and action. The present letter was written and signed by Mandela less than six months before he was released from Victor Verster Prison on 11th February 1990, having been transferred there on 7th December 1988. Autograph letters of Mandela dating from the period of his imprisonment following his arrest in August 1962 until his release in February 1990 are of exceptional rarity and are also highly desirable. There are no examples recorded by American Book Prices Current and we are aware of only one other letter (interestingly also written from Victor Verster Prison on 21st August 1989, although to a different correspondent and on a completely different subject matter) having previously appeared at auction.

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