NELSON MANDELA - WHY I AM READY TO DIE - 1964 EMBER LABEL - V. RARE LP - A1/B1
£
15
$
20
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Description
Very rare copy of the 1964 Ember label recording of Peter Finch reading Nelson Mandela's speech (abridged) in his own defence at the 1962 Rivonia trial in South Africa, whilst on trial for his life for treason and sabotage. Himself a lawyer, his speech has been described "as one of the great orations of the world".
Side one features the speech, side two is a collection of South African freedom songs.
The vinyl grades EX and retains a bright sheen. Play testing reveals excellent vibrant sound with only rare faint audible ticks (maybe deep-seated dust - after all the disc is over 50 years old!). Certainly there are no skips or jumps.
The gatefold sleeve is VG+, being bright, clean and unmarked by writing or sticker residue. There is slight damage to the bottom spine joint (pictured) that prevents a higher grading.
The inner sleeve is white generic.
The inside of the gatefold includes messages of world opinion (including from Harold Wilson, Pope Paul VI, Pandit Nehru and Sir Laurence Olivier) on Nelson Mandela, who was at that time serving a life sentence. The album was released on behalf of the Defence and Aid Fund, who were campaigning for Mandela's release and an end to South Africa's aparthied policies.
The disc is of great educational value and is a timeless social document when one considers Mandela's later life and the modern history of South Africa and the civil rights movement.
At the moment I regret that I am only posting to the UK and just Paypal please.
Many thanks for looking!
For your information the gradings I use are as follows:-
Mint (M) - Brand New (Sealed)
Near mint (NM) - Looks almost unplayed * Cover almost brand new
Excellent (EX) - Maybe a light scuff but otherwise great condition * Cover will have some wear/slight crease/faint ring wear etc
Very good (VG) - Could have scuffing and some light scratches etc *Cover might have some creasing/fading/ring wear/marks or writing but still reasonable condition
Good (G) - Should play through ok but will have plenty of scratches etc * Cover could be ripped/stained/unglued etc
Fair - Very ordinary/ Might play but most likely just for the collection* Cover will be pretty terrible.
+, ++ or - (minus) after the grading denote variations within a grade.
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