An excellent introduction to the political and personal life of the most enigmatic African leader of the 20th century. Ludo de Witte, author of The Assassination of Lumumba
In this well-researched book Leo Zeilig has done the valuable job of bringing to life Patrice Lumumba as a man, as well as showing the political context of Africa in the 1950s in the dying days of colonialism. This book is the key to understanding why Lumumba became such a potent myth. Victoria Brittain
Sympathetic, accessible, and highly readable. African Studies Quarterly

Autorentext

Leo Zeilig is senior research fellow in the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and senior research associate with the Research Chair in Social Change at the University of Johannesburg. He is the author of several books on African politics and history.

Klappentext

Patrice Lumumba (1925-61) was one of the most famous leaders of the African Independence Movement. After his murder, he became an icon of anti-imperialist struggle, and his picture, along with those of Che Guevara and Ho Chi Minh, was brandished around the world at demonstrations in the 1960s. This second edition of the only full biography of Lumumba presents his life and quest for the Congo's liberation, which influenced how the Cold War would be fought in Africa and the nature of the independence granted to huge swaths of the globe after 1945. For those fighting for freedom, Lumumba became a figure of resistance against the imperial colonizers of the world. Including new archival material and information gained from British intelligence, this new edition is a valuable introduction to a pivotal figure of the twentieth century.

Zusammenfassung
Patrice Lumumba is perhaps the most famous leader of the African independence movement. After his murder in 1961, he became an icon of anti-imperialist struggle. His picture was brandished on demonstrations in the 1960s across the world along with Che Guevara and Ho Chi Minh.

Inhalt
Léopold's Congo
Early years: life in Onalua
Stanleyville: Bright lights, big city
Léopoldville: City of hope
Towards independence
Independence: 30 June 1960
Lumumba's legacy

Notes
Chronology
Sources and acknowledgements
Selected further readings
Picture Sources
Index