From his youth as the leader of rebels to his years as president and elder statesman of South Africa, Nelson Mandela changed the world through his messages of peace and reconciliation. Rediscover the amazing journey of this inspiring leader in LIFE Nelson Mandela—a photographic biography and Special Edition featuring unforgettable images and insightful text from the editors of LIFE. Follow Mandela throughout his lifelong fight against apartheid and injustice, his 27 years of imprisonment at Robben Island and Pollsmoor, and his triumphant victories as both the first democratically elected president of South Africa and as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Dozens of historical photographs show him as a resistance leader with the African National Congress, at his trials, during his time in prison, and in his later years with other world leaders, including Bill Clinton and Desmond Tutu, just to name a few. For decades, readers have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Let Nelson Mandela show you the remarkable life of an enduring symbol of hope and equality.