Zambia obtained independence in 1964 after a bitter freedom struggle with the colonial power Britain. This book covers that period and events that followed the attainment of self-rule. The story is biographical in context, and describes through the personal and political life of one of Zambia's most prominent freedom-fighters Sylvester Mwamba Chisembele, a social and political history which includes the intrigues and plots that emerged before and after independence. Sylvester Chisembele was born in Luapula Province, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia). He was educated at Lubushi Seminary run by the Catholic White Fathers from where he entered the political campaign for freedom from colonial rule. He quickly rose to prominence and became a leading figure in the struggle. During this period he survived an assassination attempt on his life as well as a failed plot to charge him with treason instigated by the colonial administration. Amongst other important events a description is given of the circumstances surrounding the imposition of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland; the broken promises made to the Litunga, ruler of Barotseland; the visit of the British Prime Minister to the territory in the early 1960s and the subsequent boycott of the Monkton Commission.