MEER, Fatima (1928-2010). Higher Than Hope Mandela The Biography of Nelson Mandela. Durban, South Africa: Madiba Publishers Institute for Black Research, [1990].  

8vo. Numerous photographic reproductions. (Some minor staining.) Publisher's half roan under red roan (some light wear); slipcase. Provenance: Fatima Meer (inscription), gifted to; Edward Joseph Perkins (1928-2020), American diplomat, first black U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, 1986- 1989 (embossed stamp and inscription, 1993).  

LIMITED EDITION, number 30 of 100 copies printed to commemorate the release of Nelson Mandela from Victor Verster Prison on 11 February 1990.  

PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY MEER: "To Ed Perkins - a friend in distress, to commemorate his revisit to to [sic] the country where he broke the communication barrier between the U.S.A. and the distressed of this country when it was most difficult to do so. From Fatima Meer. Feb. 15 1993." Meer was a South African anti-apartheid activist who wrote many books on human rights related to South Africa. The author's inscription relates to Perkins' work as the first black U.S. Ambassador to South Africa during apartheid, and Perkins' efforts to improve communication between black and white South Africans, including holding integrated receptions (Seelye). This first authorized biography of Mandela was translated into 13 languages. Perkins appointment in South Africa ended in 1989, only a few years before the era of apartheid ended with the election of Mandela as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and the first black head of state.  


Property from the Estate of Ambassador Edward J. Perkins, Washington, D.C.