Clubs and Associations Books

In so many ways this books takes oft repeated points and hashes out them out in much appreciated detail.
From a full description of the beginings of the Christian Institute, Walshe depicts a constantly hounded organization coming into the broader struggle against apartheid. The book's greatest gift is a description of how the Christian Institute itself changed its mission as it became clear the future of South Africa would rest in the hands of blacks rather than white liberals.
One of the author's talents is his ability to paint a picture of what almost was. History, for Walshe, isn't simply a writing of revolutions that happened. History is made up of almost accidental success and failures that were more (or less) significant than their results might indicate. As Walshe traces the Christian Institute's repeated struggles against the apartheid government he often records failed efforts rather than spectacular successes.
For anyone interested in the South African experience, or in the reality of long social movements this book is a must. Also, for those interested in the practical application of contectual or liberation theology, this book is highly recommended.