South Africa Books

After spending three weeks in South Africa this summer, I realized the real effects Apartheid had on the country. After reading this book, I could envision the entire process of the rise & fall of their government as it happened, and the events that occurred in between. This book is a denfinite good read for anyone learning about or knowledgeable of South African history. Like all political cartoons, it puts current events in a language we can all understand, and helps us realize what's really going on. (Clifford Galiher, 13)

Kohler's writing uncovers the darkest aspects of human nature through precise language and carefully placed detail. It's a shame reviewers for publications such as Kirkus don't have the patience to discover her. But if you are serious about writing and about literature, hunt down Kohler's work where-ever you can find it. Her first novel, The Perfect Place, is a stunning example of an unreliable narrator. And in The House On R. Street, she shows again that beneath the flawless manners of the upperclass there is an unfathomable capacity for corruption.

I was very impressed with the clarity and intelligence of the essays in this book. I now think more critically about sanctions, in both a historical and contemporary context.

Mutua's book is a must-have for those seeking to understand why a hegemonic, westernized approach to human rights is so problematic. Speaking from the perspective of an "insider/outsider" (the author is a leading international human rights scholar and activist from Kenya), he examines both the positive aspirations and contributions of human rights as well as evidence of its limitations and even dangers in practice.

Rather than embrace a strong version of cultural relativism, Mutua clearly condemns violations of human rights in both North and South. Nevertheless, he demands that human rights leaders must spend time in self-examination with regard to the history, origins, and contemporary contexts in which violations occur if abuses are to be effectively combatted.

There is much here for debate and discussion both inside classrooms and among activists in the field. Along with works by Anghie, Gathii, Rajagopal, Woods & Lewis, Andrews, Knop, Wing, and others, Mutua's book is a foundational contribution to the loose network known as the "Third World Approaches to International Law" (TWAIL) movement.

I have this book (two books in one) titled with "Hunters life among lions,elephants, and other wild animals of South Africa" published in 1856. The more than 600 pages of travel, hunting, and near escapes will keep you reading. Cummings is not long winded on his tales at all, more facts would be nice. but still you will love his hunts and the thrilling escapes using the old muzzle- loader, stalking, hunting from horseback etc. htl ky

Nick Greaves wrote and took all the pictures for this beautiful book. It depicts not only elephants, but other animals as well. It clearly explains about the wildlife in the park and goes further to explain the hard issues - culling (killing) elephants, ivory trade, and funding of the park. This is a book that will both look as good on your coffee table and is a pleasure to read. As a Zimbabwe guide in Hwange, Nick Greaves knows his elephants and this comes through clearly in the book. Highly recommended!

A TREASURE NOT LOST: IBN BATTUTA'S TRAVELS IN ASIA AND AFRICA, 1325-1354

In 1354 the Caliph of Morocco commissioned a royal scribe to take down Ibn Battuta's account of his twenty-nine years of travels. The result was an eye-opening recitation from a learned man who participated in the affairs of the world. The book did not surface in the west until 1829.

The 1986 version under review here was a new translation by H.A.R. Gibb, Lecturer in Arabic at the School of Oriental Studies, University of London, reprinted by Oriental Books Reprint Corporation at Delhi, India.

Gibb treats Ibn Battuta "as a traveler, not as a writer of geography" and wrote it so that "this extract may be of service in introducing to a wider circle of English readers one of the most remarkable travelers of his own or any age."

In this work he does the job. The prose is easy to read and comprehend. Gibb's translation does not interfere with Ibn Battuta's narrative style. You believe that it is Ibn Battuta whom you are hearing as you read. The notations throughout the book, as endnotes, are scholarly, although the maps, all by the author, are a little hard to read. There is also an index of names and places, but there is no general index.

The stimulus for Battuta's travels stemmed from the "duty laid upon every Muslim of visiting Mecca at least once in his lifetime, so long as it lies within his power to do so."

"He was in fact the only medieval traveler who is known to have visited the lands of every Muhammadan ruler of his time," in addition to travels in non-Islamic Turkey, Ceylon, and China. His account of the Maldives "is the earliest descriptive account we possess of the islands and their inhabitants."

His pilgrimage in Ceylon to the top of the high mountain known as Adam's Peak is a place unique in the world. Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist alike revere this as the location of the imprint in black rock of the foot of Adam, or a Hindu god, or Buddha, according to their respective beliefs. The reported footprint is over eight feet long.

His account of a cowrie exchange in Malli (Mali) alongside the salt exchange there "showed the existence of extensive trade between West Africa and East Africa, as cowrie shells are found only in East Africa." It should also be noted that Gibb gives a brief but helpful account here "of the early negro (sic) empires" in West Africa in an extensive endnote.

"The extent of his wanderings is estimated at not less than 75,000 miles without allowing for deviations, a figure which is not likely to have been surpassed before the age of steam."

We are lucky to have this translation. It reveals a perspective that could have been lost, were it not for Battuta's keen eye, the royal Moroccan and his scribe, and Gibbs.

A.D.Saunders August 8, 2000 ++++++++

Allan Boesak has been in the forefront of the struggle against apartheid in South Afica and has been increasingly recognised as a political as well as religious leader. Less public but equally important has been his role as a leading theologian among the forces resisting aparthied.

This collection of addresses and sermons from 1979 to 1986 shows all aspects of Boesak's involvement in the anti-aparthied movement. It includes pieces that offer analysis of the church's role in political issues, as well as sermons and articles showing deep biblical understanding of the issues at stake. Among the selections are several of Boesak's important recent public speeches. All who are interested in the resistance to apartheid will find in this book the voice of a thoughtful, articulate, and eloquent leader.
--- from book's back cover

I am an avid birder and own all the recognised field guides to birding in the Southern African region. I have used them all extensively and am convinced that the Illustrated Guide To the Birds Of Southern Africa stands head and shoulders above its rivals. I say this for the following reasons:-The combined knowledge of its authors cannot be matched as these are the Guru's of birding in the region with Ian Sinclair undoubtedly the most travelled,most experienced and most knowledgable expert of the lot.His co-authors not being far behind!The quality and accuracy of the distribution maps are, I believe, where the field guide steals a march over other similar guides.The quality of the illustrations which show all the major plumage variations as well as flight patterns makes this an invaluable guide to experienced and novice birders alike.There is currently simply no better book on the market than this one.

Timeless Wilderness was the first book from Gerald Hinde and Richard du Toit to grace my desk. I paged through it with such excitement that I immediately phoned the publisher asking if I could meet the photographers... This book is filled with the most extraordinary images that I doubt any other photographer has ever captured. The first picture that captured my imagination in the book was the hippo's feet... The large aquatic herbivore rolled underwater in an unlikely display of water ballet and Richard du Toit was there to immortalise the moment. The collection of animal interaction shots is simply astonishing. There are shots of conflict between a Steppe Eagle and a Saddle Billed Stork, as well as between Wild Dog and Fish Eagle to name just a few. These are moments so unique they may never be captured on film again.

In writing the text for the book, Richard du Toit really includes you in those unexpected bush moments which one only experiences in a life time of beast watching. His comments show both his extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and his sensitivity in communing with wild creatures.

I do have one criticism of this beatuiful work. Richard du Toit writes magnificently and his lengthy captions left me craving for more. Let's hope that in his next book he lets the ink flow more freely and gives us even more to get stuck into.

I did finally get to meet Richard du Toit and Gerald Hinde. Over a marvellous lunch, I asked why they had named the book "Images from a Timeless Wilderness". Richard's face lit up and he said "There are a handful of places left on earth where you can feel such primal power. This place on the Kwai River feels as though it hasn't changed since the beginning of time. It is the real Eden."

Thankfully, there are talented souls like Gerald Hinde and Richard du Toit to document in exquisite detail the fleeting moments of magic in this African Eden.