Just having a bit of a read about the big man. Didn't realise our government was so anti-Mandela under Thatcher. Was that just the sort of typical attitude of the time? I've read a little about the MK bombings and that, and you tend to get the odd dismissive white van man opinion, but was the general concensus outside of South Africa that Mandela and the ANC were badduns until well into his imprisonment? Seems a bit surreal to think about that now.

Also noticed a thing online this morning about David Cameron being a key member of something called the Conserative Students Committee or something, and that as recently as the late 80s they were vocally in support of Mandela facing the death penalty, and that later on Cameron went on pro-arparteid trips to South Africa paid for by Botha. All a bit awkward/unsavoury.

It's hard not to really have a huge soft spot for him, isn't it? Was thinking before that he was alive when my great, great grandparents were. Madness. Gonna be pretty sad when he passes. Think it's probably fair to say he's the world's most iconic person, eh?

Was wondering if anyone could recommend a book to read on the subject. Particuarly interested in learning a bit more about his arrest, trial and specifically the time he spent at Robben Island, which seems equally amounts inspiring and eye-opening.

Can we be sensible in this thread?

Thanks in advance.