Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contains various sections on the other minority groups such as Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics with a view on how they fought for equality. Not only does the book give you all you need to know when it comes to studying American Civil Rights, but it also has very handy exam style questions with model answers to see if you're on the right track! A MUST if you're studying the subject for A'Level - it'll ease the stress at exam time for sure!

The famously taciturn South African president reveals much of himself in Long Walk to Freedom. A good deal of this autobiography was written secretly while Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island by South Africa's apartheid regime. Among the book's interesting revelations is Mandela's ambivalence toward his lifetime of devotion to public works. It cost him two marriages and kept him distant from a family life he might otherwise have cherished. Long Walk to Freedom also discloses a strong and generous spirit that refused to be broken under the most trying circumstances--a spirit in which just about everybody can find something to admire. --Amazon.com

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contains various sections on the other minority groups such as Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics with a view on how they fought for equality. Not only does the book give you all you need to know when it comes to studying American Civil Rights, but it also has very handy exam style questions with model answers to see if you're on the right track! A MUST if you're studying the subject for A'Level - it'll ease the stress at exam time for sure!

Portrait of a Leader for All Times, 19 Nov 2008
If you read only one autobiography this year, I recommend this one.

Leadership breakthroughs are few and far between. They are even rarer in the political arena. Although I had closely followed the path to an integrated democracy in South Africa (and worked hard on the anti-apartheid sanctions and boycotts), much of Nelson Mandela's struggle was hidden to me at the time. Only after the reconciliation had gone on for a number of years did it become apart how remarkable this man's contribution has been.

Recently, I read Playing the Enemy which described some of the nuances in how Mandela conceived of creating a peaceful transition through an unauthorized sole negotiation from a prison cell. Those stories impressed me even more. Now, I had to read the autobiography. And I'm glad I did.

Let me warn you, however, that Nelson Mandela is so self-effacing that the real story of what he accomplished and how he did it doesn't fully come through in the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. I recommend that you read Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation first.

What the autobiography will do is show the cultural and social backgrounds of the struggle and how critical it was that Mandela be a man of honor, principle, and loyalty. He was a leader for the whole nation even when many people didn't want him to be in the nation. It's a remarkable way to be, a way that few people can accomplish.

The apartheid system was as vile a way to treat citizens as anything that has come along since Germany in the 1930s. It's hard to imagine that it arose after World War II and was so difficult to break.

The treatment of the African National Congress's leaders will appall you. Their grace will delight you.

May every nation have a Nelson Mandela to lead it!

The book you should read after this one, 31 Oct 2008
Seretse Khama (the first president of Botswana on its independence) was a man greatly admired by Mandela. They had many qualities in common. Khama also had many obstacles put in his way by the UK, Rhodesian and South Africa governments and showed the same greatness of character as Mandela. Susan Williams' book 'Colour bar' chronicles Khama's story brillaintly, and I think that if you enjoyed 'Long walk to freedom' then you'll get a lot from this book too.

Those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded, 21 Oct 2008
Anyone who has heard of this book but hasn't read it will be at least familiar with its size - it's a doorstep of a book - but those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded.

Mandela's life has been characterised by the 27 years he spent incarcerated on Robben Island as a political prisoner for his involvement with the anti-apartheid African National Congress. Understandably this period in his life (where he covertly wrote a large portion of the book) is covered in some detail as he attempts to explain the tedium and challenge this time presents each man. However, this book sets that period in the context of Mandela's life as well as its historical and political context.

Mandela's childhood and early years were the most interesting part for me as I'm always curious to see how people came to be who they are, and the size of the book allows Mandela to do this period in his life justice without sacrificing detail of his later political life.

Mandela's penchant for detail is apparent, from the administrative procedures of the ANC to details of meetings with the National Party Leadership towards the end. Friends of mine have said that the political detail was dull and too detailed but the book would not be complete without that depth and to me this reflects Mandela the man and his manner of thinking.

Throughout the book Mandela employs compelling language and even shows himself to be an entertainer - never better than in court, using the legal system and his apparent courtroom flair to show the state prosecutor to be inadequate and unjust.

In reading this book and recalling the events you are participating in history and cementing the lessons of the past. This is a timely moment to read The Long Walk to Freedom as you will put down the book and pick up the newspapers to continue almost uninterrupted as Zimbabwe swings in the opposite direction and Thabo Mbeki resigns as leader of the ruling ANC in South Africa.

If this book was a story and if you didn't know how it ended you would never believe that the ANC party that Mandela gave his whole life to would ever be allowed to participate in Government, let alone lead the South Africa today.

Still my favourite, and I'm trying to replace it!, 25 Aug 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, absolutely engaging. The early most significant struggles of his life depicted in this book fight with you as you try to find a good point to stop for the day.
A must read for everyone!

It will get you interested!, 21 May 2008
I have never really been that interested in politics; I would say I have a level of interest in UK politics as that is where I live but not foreign politics so for me, buying and then reading such a long book, I really wondered whether I would get through it.

I have to say, it was interesting from the start and difficult to put down. I am not even an avid book reader but if you are curious about people generally, then this is a great book to get into. This isn't just about Nelson Mandela, fighting apartheid. It's about someone who started out similar to us - just an ordinary person but who had a simple but enjoyable childhood - different in relation to culture and upbringing.

If you don't understand politics, you don't need to know a great deal and neither do you have to have indepth knowledge of South African history.

I came away with a feeling of understanding this person - even knowing him to a certain extent because of how much he lets you into his thoughts and his heart. I also gained knowledge and interest from South African politics. I am in my 30s - all that I heard on television as a child myself during the Thatcher years, remembering the song Free Nelson Mandela - it all means so much more to me now.

But this book not only gives you insight into Nelson Mandela as a politician, but as a person. Even that has great interest in itself. If you are similar to me and you read this book, you'll not be disappointed.

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contains various sections on the other minority groups such as Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics with a view on how they fought for equality. Not only does the book give you all you need to know when it comes to studying American Civil Rights, but it also has very handy exam style questions with model answers to see if you're on the right track! A MUST if you're studying the subject for A'Level - it'll ease the stress at exam time for sure!

Portrait of a Leader for All Times, 19 Nov 2008
If you read only one autobiography this year, I recommend this one.

Leadership breakthroughs are few and far between. They are even rarer in the political arena. Although I had closely followed the path to an integrated democracy in South Africa (and worked hard on the anti-apartheid sanctions and boycotts), much of Nelson Mandela's struggle was hidden to me at the time. Only after the reconciliation had gone on for a number of years did it become apart how remarkable this man's contribution has been.

Recently, I read Playing the Enemy which described some of the nuances in how Mandela conceived of creating a peaceful transition through an unauthorized sole negotiation from a prison cell. Those stories impressed me even more. Now, I had to read the autobiography. And I'm glad I did.

Let me warn you, however, that Nelson Mandela is so self-effacing that the real story of what he accomplished and how he did it doesn't fully come through in the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. I recommend that you read Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation first.

What the autobiography will do is show the cultural and social backgrounds of the struggle and how critical it was that Mandela be a man of honor, principle, and loyalty. He was a leader for the whole nation even when many people didn't want him to be in the nation. It's a remarkable way to be, a way that few people can accomplish.

The apartheid system was as vile a way to treat citizens as anything that has come along since Germany in the 1930s. It's hard to imagine that it arose after World War II and was so difficult to break.

The treatment of the African National Congress's leaders will appall you. Their grace will delight you.

May every nation have a Nelson Mandela to lead it!

The book you should read after this one, 31 Oct 2008
Seretse Khama (the first president of Botswana on its independence) was a man greatly admired by Mandela. They had many qualities in common. Khama also had many obstacles put in his way by the UK, Rhodesian and South Africa governments and showed the same greatness of character as Mandela. Susan Williams' book 'Colour bar' chronicles Khama's story brillaintly, and I think that if you enjoyed 'Long walk to freedom' then you'll get a lot from this book too.

Those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded, 21 Oct 2008
Anyone who has heard of this book but hasn't read it will be at least familiar with its size - it's a doorstep of a book - but those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded.

Mandela's life has been characterised by the 27 years he spent incarcerated on Robben Island as a political prisoner for his involvement with the anti-apartheid African National Congress. Understandably this period in his life (where he covertly wrote a large portion of the book) is covered in some detail as he attempts to explain the tedium and challenge this time presents each man. However, this book sets that period in the context of Mandela's life as well as its historical and political context.

Mandela's childhood and early years were the most interesting part for me as I'm always curious to see how people came to be who they are, and the size of the book allows Mandela to do this period in his life justice without sacrificing detail of his later political life.

Mandela's penchant for detail is apparent, from the administrative procedures of the ANC to details of meetings with the National Party Leadership towards the end. Friends of mine have said that the political detail was dull and too detailed but the book would not be complete without that depth and to me this reflects Mandela the man and his manner of thinking.

Throughout the book Mandela employs compelling language and even shows himself to be an entertainer - never better than in court, using the legal system and his apparent courtroom flair to show the state prosecutor to be inadequate and unjust.

In reading this book and recalling the events you are participating in history and cementing the lessons of the past. This is a timely moment to read The Long Walk to Freedom as you will put down the book and pick up the newspapers to continue almost uninterrupted as Zimbabwe swings in the opposite direction and Thabo Mbeki resigns as leader of the ruling ANC in South Africa.

If this book was a story and if you didn't know how it ended you would never believe that the ANC party that Mandela gave his whole life to would ever be allowed to participate in Government, let alone lead the South Africa today.

Still my favourite, and I'm trying to replace it!, 25 Aug 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, absolutely engaging. The early most significant struggles of his life depicted in this book fight with you as you try to find a good point to stop for the day.
A must read for everyone!

It will get you interested!, 21 May 2008
I have never really been that interested in politics; I would say I have a level of interest in UK politics as that is where I live but not foreign politics so for me, buying and then reading such a long book, I really wondered whether I would get through it.

I have to say, it was interesting from the start and difficult to put down. I am not even an avid book reader but if you are curious about people generally, then this is a great book to get into. This isn't just about Nelson Mandela, fighting apartheid. It's about someone who started out similar to us - just an ordinary person but who had a simple but enjoyable childhood - different in relation to culture and upbringing.

If you don't understand politics, you don't need to know a great deal and neither do you have to have indepth knowledge of South African history.

I came away with a feeling of understanding this person - even knowing him to a certain extent because of how much he lets you into his thoughts and his heart. I also gained knowledge and interest from South African politics. I am in my 30s - all that I heard on television as a child myself during the Thatcher years, remembering the song Free Nelson Mandela - it all means so much more to me now.

But this book not only gives you insight into Nelson Mandela as a politician, but as a person. Even that has great interest in itself. If you are similar to me and you read this book, you'll not be disappointed.

Not for apple Mac, 13 Sep 2008
I bought this cd rom to use it in my apple mac, however the sellers dont seem to tell you that this product doesn't run on macs at all, only windows!!!!

A Great All Round Package - Also contains study material, 24 May 2008
Valid for 2008 tests. 160-page illustrated study guide (paperback) including official Home Office study material (eBook - electronic book). You can adjust the viewing properties of the document (make the text larger or smaller to help you read).

Multiple choice interactive practice quiz 24 random questions are displayed each time you run a test, separated chapter by chapter. Select which chapter you want to run. Contains a database of over 800 questions and answers. Also, information on booking the test, taking the test and what to do after you have taken the test. Tutorials providing information on the test. Sample application form and guidance notes.

See your percentage score and a list of the questions you got incorrect or correct.

QuickStudy® summaries on each chapter to help you focus.
Glossary of difficult words
Structured study program

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contains various sections on the other minority groups such as Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics with a view on how they fought for equality. Not only does the book give you all you need to know when it comes to studying American Civil Rights, but it also has very handy exam style questions with model answers to see if you're on the right track! A MUST if you're studying the subject for A'Level - it'll ease the stress at exam time for sure!

Portrait of a Leader for All Times, 19 Nov 2008
If you read only one autobiography this year, I recommend this one.

Leadership breakthroughs are few and far between. They are even rarer in the political arena. Although I had closely followed the path to an integrated democracy in South Africa (and worked hard on the anti-apartheid sanctions and boycotts), much of Nelson Mandela's struggle was hidden to me at the time. Only after the reconciliation had gone on for a number of years did it become apart how remarkable this man's contribution has been.

Recently, I read Playing the Enemy which described some of the nuances in how Mandela conceived of creating a peaceful transition through an unauthorized sole negotiation from a prison cell. Those stories impressed me even more. Now, I had to read the autobiography. And I'm glad I did.

Let me warn you, however, that Nelson Mandela is so self-effacing that the real story of what he accomplished and how he did it doesn't fully come through in the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. I recommend that you read Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation first.

What the autobiography will do is show the cultural and social backgrounds of the struggle and how critical it was that Mandela be a man of honor, principle, and loyalty. He was a leader for the whole nation even when many people didn't want him to be in the nation. It's a remarkable way to be, a way that few people can accomplish.

The apartheid system was as vile a way to treat citizens as anything that has come along since Germany in the 1930s. It's hard to imagine that it arose after World War II and was so difficult to break.

The treatment of the African National Congress's leaders will appall you. Their grace will delight you.

May every nation have a Nelson Mandela to lead it!

The book you should read after this one, 31 Oct 2008
Seretse Khama (the first president of Botswana on its independence) was a man greatly admired by Mandela. They had many qualities in common. Khama also had many obstacles put in his way by the UK, Rhodesian and South Africa governments and showed the same greatness of character as Mandela. Susan Williams' book 'Colour bar' chronicles Khama's story brillaintly, and I think that if you enjoyed 'Long walk to freedom' then you'll get a lot from this book too.

Those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded, 21 Oct 2008
Anyone who has heard of this book but hasn't read it will be at least familiar with its size - it's a doorstep of a book - but those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded.

Mandela's life has been characterised by the 27 years he spent incarcerated on Robben Island as a political prisoner for his involvement with the anti-apartheid African National Congress. Understandably this period in his life (where he covertly wrote a large portion of the book) is covered in some detail as he attempts to explain the tedium and challenge this time presents each man. However, this book sets that period in the context of Mandela's life as well as its historical and political context.

Mandela's childhood and early years were the most interesting part for me as I'm always curious to see how people came to be who they are, and the size of the book allows Mandela to do this period in his life justice without sacrificing detail of his later political life.

Mandela's penchant for detail is apparent, from the administrative procedures of the ANC to details of meetings with the National Party Leadership towards the end. Friends of mine have said that the political detail was dull and too detailed but the book would not be complete without that depth and to me this reflects Mandela the man and his manner of thinking.

Throughout the book Mandela employs compelling language and even shows himself to be an entertainer - never better than in court, using the legal system and his apparent courtroom flair to show the state prosecutor to be inadequate and unjust.

In reading this book and recalling the events you are participating in history and cementing the lessons of the past. This is a timely moment to read The Long Walk to Freedom as you will put down the book and pick up the newspapers to continue almost uninterrupted as Zimbabwe swings in the opposite direction and Thabo Mbeki resigns as leader of the ruling ANC in South Africa.

If this book was a story and if you didn't know how it ended you would never believe that the ANC party that Mandela gave his whole life to would ever be allowed to participate in Government, let alone lead the South Africa today.

Still my favourite, and I'm trying to replace it!, 25 Aug 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, absolutely engaging. The early most significant struggles of his life depicted in this book fight with you as you try to find a good point to stop for the day.
A must read for everyone!

It will get you interested!, 21 May 2008
I have never really been that interested in politics; I would say I have a level of interest in UK politics as that is where I live but not foreign politics so for me, buying and then reading such a long book, I really wondered whether I would get through it.

I have to say, it was interesting from the start and difficult to put down. I am not even an avid book reader but if you are curious about people generally, then this is a great book to get into. This isn't just about Nelson Mandela, fighting apartheid. It's about someone who started out similar to us - just an ordinary person but who had a simple but enjoyable childhood - different in relation to culture and upbringing.

If you don't understand politics, you don't need to know a great deal and neither do you have to have indepth knowledge of South African history.

I came away with a feeling of understanding this person - even knowing him to a certain extent because of how much he lets you into his thoughts and his heart. I also gained knowledge and interest from South African politics. I am in my 30s - all that I heard on television as a child myself during the Thatcher years, remembering the song Free Nelson Mandela - it all means so much more to me now.

But this book not only gives you insight into Nelson Mandela as a politician, but as a person. Even that has great interest in itself. If you are similar to me and you read this book, you'll not be disappointed.

Not for apple Mac, 13 Sep 2008
I bought this cd rom to use it in my apple mac, however the sellers dont seem to tell you that this product doesn't run on macs at all, only windows!!!!

A Great All Round Package - Also contains study material, 24 May 2008
Valid for 2008 tests. 160-page illustrated study guide (paperback) including official Home Office study material (eBook - electronic book). You can adjust the viewing properties of the document (make the text larger or smaller to help you read).

Multiple choice interactive practice quiz 24 random questions are displayed each time you run a test, separated chapter by chapter. Select which chapter you want to run. Contains a database of over 800 questions and answers. Also, information on booking the test, taking the test and what to do after you have taken the test. Tutorials providing information on the test. Sample application form and guidance notes.

See your percentage score and a list of the questions you got incorrect or correct.

QuickStudy® summaries on each chapter to help you focus.
Glossary of difficult words
Structured study program

A clear overview of the suffragette movement, 03 Jun 2003
Melanie Philips writes with great clarity and covers a broad subject admirably. It's an extremely readable book (I sat and read it in about three sessions) and you will certainly want to know more about some of the characters who have had such a strong impression on the women's movement. In fact, that's its only weakness, leaving you wanting more on some areas, but I guess the book would have had to be twice the length. As it is, it leaves you feeling ten times more informed about the women's movement and has a very thought-provoking final chapter. I entertained/bored my husband and friends for hours debating some of the issues raised.

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contains various sections on the other minority groups such as Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics with a view on how they fought for equality. Not only does the book give you all you need to know when it comes to studying American Civil Rights, but it also has very handy exam style questions with model answers to see if you're on the right track! A MUST if you're studying the subject for A'Level - it'll ease the stress at exam time for sure!

Portrait of a Leader for All Times, 19 Nov 2008
If you read only one autobiography this year, I recommend this one.

Leadership breakthroughs are few and far between. They are even rarer in the political arena. Although I had closely followed the path to an integrated democracy in South Africa (and worked hard on the anti-apartheid sanctions and boycotts), much of Nelson Mandela's struggle was hidden to me at the time. Only after the reconciliation had gone on for a number of years did it become apart how remarkable this man's contribution has been.

Recently, I read Playing the Enemy which described some of the nuances in how Mandela conceived of creating a peaceful transition through an unauthorized sole negotiation from a prison cell. Those stories impressed me even more. Now, I had to read the autobiography. And I'm glad I did.

Let me warn you, however, that Nelson Mandela is so self-effacing that the real story of what he accomplished and how he did it doesn't fully come through in the autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. I recommend that you read Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation first.

What the autobiography will do is show the cultural and social backgrounds of the struggle and how critical it was that Mandela be a man of honor, principle, and loyalty. He was a leader for the whole nation even when many people didn't want him to be in the nation. It's a remarkable way to be, a way that few people can accomplish.

The apartheid system was as vile a way to treat citizens as anything that has come along since Germany in the 1930s. It's hard to imagine that it arose after World War II and was so difficult to break.

The treatment of the African National Congress's leaders will appall you. Their grace will delight you.

May every nation have a Nelson Mandela to lead it!

The book you should read after this one, 31 Oct 2008
Seretse Khama (the first president of Botswana on its independence) was a man greatly admired by Mandela. They had many qualities in common. Khama also had many obstacles put in his way by the UK, Rhodesian and South Africa governments and showed the same greatness of character as Mandela. Susan Williams' book 'Colour bar' chronicles Khama's story brillaintly, and I think that if you enjoyed 'Long walk to freedom' then you'll get a lot from this book too.

Those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded, 21 Oct 2008
Anyone who has heard of this book but hasn't read it will be at least familiar with its size - it's a doorstep of a book - but those undaunted by the page count will be justly rewarded.

Mandela's life has been characterised by the 27 years he spent incarcerated on Robben Island as a political prisoner for his involvement with the anti-apartheid African National Congress. Understandably this period in his life (where he covertly wrote a large portion of the book) is covered in some detail as he attempts to explain the tedium and challenge this time presents each man. However, this book sets that period in the context of Mandela's life as well as its historical and political context.

Mandela's childhood and early years were the most interesting part for me as I'm always curious to see how people came to be who they are, and the size of the book allows Mandela to do this period in his life justice without sacrificing detail of his later political life.

Mandela's penchant for detail is apparent, from the administrative procedures of the ANC to details of meetings with the National Party Leadership towards the end. Friends of mine have said that the political detail was dull and too detailed but the book would not be complete without that depth and to me this reflects Mandela the man and his manner of thinking.

Throughout the book Mandela employs compelling language and even shows himself to be an entertainer - never better than in court, using the legal system and his apparent courtroom flair to show the state prosecutor to be inadequate and unjust.

In reading this book and recalling the events you are participating in history and cementing the lessons of the past. This is a timely moment to read The Long Walk to Freedom as you will put down the book and pick up the newspapers to continue almost uninterrupted as Zimbabwe swings in the opposite direction and Thabo Mbeki resigns as leader of the ruling ANC in South Africa.

If this book was a story and if you didn't know how it ended you would never believe that the ANC party that Mandela gave his whole life to would ever be allowed to participate in Government, let alone lead the South Africa today.

Still my favourite, and I'm trying to replace it!, 25 Aug 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, absolutely engaging. The early most significant struggles of his life depicted in this book fight with you as you try to find a good point to stop for the day.
A must read for everyone!

It will get you interested!, 21 May 2008
I have never really been that interested in politics; I would say I have a level of interest in UK politics as that is where I live but not foreign politics so for me, buying and then reading such a long book, I really wondered whether I would get through it.

I have to say, it was interesting from the start and difficult to put down. I am not even an avid book reader but if you are curious about people generally, then this is a great book to get into. This isn't just about Nelson Mandela, fighting apartheid. It's about someone who started out similar to us - just an ordinary person but who had a simple but enjoyable childhood - different in relation to culture and upbringing.

If you don't understand politics, you don't need to know a great deal and neither do you have to have indepth knowledge of South African history.

I came away with a feeling of understanding this person - even knowing him to a certain extent because of how much he lets you into his thoughts and his heart. I also gained knowledge and interest from South African politics. I am in my 30s - all that I heard on television as a child myself during the Thatcher years, remembering the song Free Nelson Mandela - it all means so much more to me now.

But this book not only gives you insight into Nelson Mandela as a politician, but as a person. Even that has great interest in itself. If you are similar to me and you read this book, you'll not be disappointed.

Not for apple Mac, 13 Sep 2008
I bought this cd rom to use it in my apple mac, however the sellers dont seem to tell you that this product doesn't run on macs at all, only windows!!!!

A Great All Round Package - Also contains study material, 24 May 2008
Valid for 2008 tests. 160-page illustrated study guide (paperback) including official Home Office study material (eBook - electronic book). You can adjust the viewing properties of the document (make the text larger or smaller to help you read).

Multiple choice interactive practice quiz 24 random questions are displayed each time you run a test, separated chapter by chapter. Select which chapter you want to run. Contains a database of over 800 questions and answers. Also, information on booking the test, taking the test and what to do after you have taken the test. Tutorials providing information on the test. Sample application form and guidance notes.

See your percentage score and a list of the questions you got incorrect or correct.

QuickStudy® summaries on each chapter to help you focus.
Glossary of difficult words
Structured study program

A clear overview of the suffragette movement, 03 Jun 2003
Melanie Philips writes with great clarity and covers a broad subject admirably. It's an extremely readable book (I sat and read it in about three sessions) and you will certainly want to know more about some of the characters who have had such a strong impression on the women's movement. In fact, that's its only weakness, leaving you wanting more on some areas, but I guess the book would have had to be twice the length. As it is, it leaves you feeling ten times more informed about the women's movement and has a very thought-provoking final chapter. I entertained/bored my husband and friends for hours debating some of the issues raised.

Over 1,000 Practice Questions + Study Material + Quiz on CD, 13 Sep 2008
Life in the UK Test Practice Questions and Quiz on CD: Over 1,000 Practice Questions (Lancaster & Coull)

A practical little book with over 1,000 multiple choice or true/false questions in the same format as that of the real test. The questions cover the official Home Office study material - chapters 2 to 6. Chapter by chapter with answers at the back of the book.

Accompanying this book is a helpful CD-ROM containing practice quizzes and a copy of the study material in eBook format. Follow the suggested study program, run the quizzes for each chapter and finish off with a quiz containing questions from all of the chapters.

This is an updated version of the Silver Package question and answer book published by Lancaster and Coull, now featuring more questions.

Great book! with a great CD rom!, 01 Nov 2008
Just studying with this book was enough to pass Life in the UK test! This is so much clearer than the official one published from Home office. The CD rom gives you so many sample questions and when I was taking the test I was confident enough with lots of practice tests from the CD rom. Highly reccommended study material to pass Life in the UK test!!

Test passed with this book , 18 Oct 2008
My wife took the "Life in the UK Test" today and passed. She revised hard for 2 weeks in her spare time using this book and CD only, plus the online practice questions which can be accessed free if you buy it. We decided on this book after reading reviews on Amazon. She found the questions in the exam to be very similar to the examples online and in the book/CD. She had a look in a bookshop at the official book and thought this book was more a precis of the knowledge required - the official book is more wordy and perhaps more difficult to follow.
A side benefit is now I can answer questions like, when did women get equal voting rights with men?(1928).


very helpful, 06 Aug 2008
I have just taken my test last Friday and I passed first time! I finished the test in less than 2 minutes. I bought this book just to see how i was doing after having finished studying the original purple study guide book provided by the home office.
This book has been very helpful. You also get free access to their website when you buy this book. Compared to other websites the questions in this book and their website are very similar to the questions in the real test and there are no nonsense questions. Most questions are purely based on the study guide and I haven't seen any wrong answers to questions.
For as long as you don't miss anything from chapters 2-6, you will definitely pass the test.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs to take the test.

helped pass at first attempt, 28 Jul 2008
This book was invaluable in helping me pass. The official home office book is too difficult to read and study from. But this book really breaks it down to the basics of what you need to know and is perfect for people who have English as a second language. It helped me to pass at the first attempt and I'm sure everyone else will find it helpful too. You cant go wrong with this.

This will make this test straightforward!, 17 Mar 2008
I found this material excellent - it condensed everything I needed to know into a very simple easy to understand format.

In particular, the online resources that are available upon purchasing this book are worth the asking price alone - a varied set of questions will ensure that you're fully prepared to pass this exam on first attempt!



An Excellent Version of a Classic Work, 23 Jan 2001
I bought this book over a year ago and it is a joy to read. The introduction by Michael Foot is informative and concise and helps set up the book in the correct historical context. Common Sense is one of the most important and under-rated tracts in history, influencing as it did the American revolution and therefore the French revolution and The Rights of Man is an eloquent argument against authoritarian rule and a call for democracy which was way ahead of its time and still extremely relevent. I urge you to buy it.

CONTINUING TO DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF HUMANITY TODAY, 05 Jul 1999
The Rights of Man is a riposte to Edmund Burke's criticism of the French Revolution. Its message is the superiority of reason, in the form of Republican government armed with the Declaration of the Rights of Man, over despotism which holds populations in ignorance. With the American and French revolutions fresh in his mind, Paine was writing in a world on the threshold of freedom and that comes through in his forceful and forthright style. That said, and most important for the reader to appreciate, much of what he has to say still applies today. Paine in scathing in his critique of hereditary monarchy and privilege. He says "the idea of hereditary legislation is.......as absurd as an hereditary mathematician, or an hereditary wise man." He rejects the notion of government laws being justified by tradition and therefore irrevocable. His argument against Burke's defence of the 1688 revolution in England is perhaps the best in the book. Paine argues that the only thing that is truly hereditary is the Rights of Man : "The Rights of men in society, are neither devisable, nor transferrable, nor annihilable, but descendable only." The book is a superb polemic when both understood in its historical context and applied to world politics today. His arguments for reform of the House of Lords strike a particularly pertinent note. He expresses liberal doctrines that many people take for granted but in our own genocidal times Paine reminds us that many of the topics that impassioned him should continue to impassion everyone with an interest in humanity. The style of the writing may put off a few as many themes disappear and reappear throughout the book instead of being dealt with in a coherant whole. The fact that it was written in two parts and that he is one of the greatest pamphleteers of modern times should compensate for this minor irritation.

Excellent for AS History, 23 Feb 2006
Simply put; if you're doing the AS level History course buy this book as it covers a wide, relevant range of topics in sufficient depth.

a good read, 24 Jan 2004
This book offers a good read on US civil rights. It notonly covers African American civil rights it also covers the civil rights of other groups such as Hispanics and the rights of labour. Aimed at the A level market the text unfortunately doesn't address recent scholarship on AfricanAmerican civil rights , in particular on the pre-1945 period. Also coverage of labour rights is scant and seems to have been an afterthought when producing the book.
Although strong on narrative the text lack a strong historical interpretation dimension.

A MUST have book for any A'Level student studying this topic, 31 Jan 2002
This is one of the few books which I have found which gives you not only excellent information and varied views on the struggle African Americans faced in gaining their Civil Rights, but also contai