The Ring of the King

A Story From Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

By: Nelson Mandela

Narrated by: Alan Rickman

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is an extraordinary audiobook featuring Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard with a special message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Original Music by South African legends by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela, Directed by Alfre Woodard. The audiobook was a truly international affair recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, and Johannesburg.

The stories were chosen by the Nobel Laureate himself, from every region of Africa.


"We hope this audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages across the globe, increasing awareness of Africa's rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa's most vulnerable children," said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his original foreword for the folktales, Nelson Mandela wrote, "It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books." The audiobook brings his vision full circle, as these timeless tales return to the oral tradition to be heard around the world.(P)2009 Hachette Audio

A wonderful quick story for adults and children

Would you listen to The Ring of the King again? Why?

I would and have listened to the recording. It is very enjoyable and a quick diversion during a hectic day.

What other book might you compare The Ring of the King to and why?

I could compare it to any folktale type of book.

Which character – as performed by Alan Rickman – was your favorite?

I am a HUGE fan of Alan Rickman, and I love the way that he narrates books. This story is read well, the different characters have different voices, but they don't sound silly, and I think it's the story itself that really appeals to me, although I have to admit, I bought it first because Mr. Rickman was narrating it.

Any additional comments?

Well worth the buy.

I knew Alan Rickman would make a good reader.

If you could sum up The Ring of the King in three words, what would they be?

I love the idea of becoming aquainted with African folk tales, but I wasn't sure I'd love a whole book's worth, so I am glad I could pick up the stories individually (IF you are certain you will love them then you should buy the book as a whole and save money). This was one of the first tales I bought because I was confident that Alan Rickman would make a great narrator. Boy was I right!! Well, it is a no brainer really.

What did you like best about this story?

It has a nice moral twist

Which scene was your favorite?

The reveal

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I did. Many times.

Any additional comments?

I would now probably listen to just about anything read by Rickman.