South Africa Books

Any collection strong in African history and ethnicity will want to make SOUTH AFRICA'S DIVERSE PEOPLES: A REFERENCE SOURCEBOOK a primary acquisition. It will appeal to both high school and college-level holdings with its history, which moves from pre-segregation to post-segregation and which considers the evolving, changing roles of many different peoples and cultures under the South African umbrella. From the hardening of ethnic divisions within the country to apartheid's policies and rules, SOUTH AFRICA'S DIVERSE PEOPLES is a 'must' for any with more than a passing interest in the country.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

I have read many books concerning South Africa and the political and economic problems that the country and its people have experienced since the end of Apartheid. This, by far, is the most interesting, comprehensive, and easy to understand book on the subject. Highly reccommended !!!

This book is the perfect coffee table book for anyone who has been or wants to travel to South Africa!

Frank Walsh has made South African history compelling, from the early colonial period to the present day. Dense, but readable, the narrative style contributes greatly to the flow of events. Particularly enlightening is Walsh's method of including "mini-psycho-biography" as an aspect of character analysis. The Boer colonials are more alive than in any history I have previously read. Their foibles and human weaknesses are shown with sometimes tragic-comic insight. My understanding of the tribal situation has grown greatly from reading this book, so the present day Zulu-Bantu power struggles gain new meaning. Kruger, Malan, DeKlerk, Mandela, Biko, Buthalezi...are all here, along with the ghostly spectre of the all but extinct KhoiKhoi (Hottentots). Walsh has made Africa's pariah a thing of flesh and bone, in which we can see all of our humanity too well. Read this history if you wish to understand today's South Africa.

I wish the picture accompanying the synopsis of this guide book were clearer. The strong geometrics in the photo on the cover give one a strong flavor of what to expect in this picturesque country. Get this book and read it thoroughly and you'll suprise yourself with a strong desire to visit south Africa.

As a former student of Dr Worger I can vouch for his deep knowledge of the subject. Here Worger and Clark give the undergradaute or anyone else with an interest in the subject a thoughtful and well researched analysis of a brutally repressive regime that simply did not just come out of nowhere (Africans have been oppressed in what is today South Africa since the 17th century)and will not simply be deposited on the dust heap for history. The legacy of apatheid will be long and painful for the generations that endured it and the new generations that will grow up in its shadow. Woger proves here beyong any doubt that the National Party regime was without a doubt one of the most vicious and murderous regimes of the second half of the 20th century. Even the Soviet bloc post-1956 fell far short in terms of brutality. Noam Chomsky estimates that some 1.5 million deaths can be laid at Pretoria's for the period of 1978-1989 alone (PW Both's tenure in office). I dont doubt it, Worger cornicles how Pretoria raided, bombed, and destablized all the nations of Southern Africa in a desperate attempt to stay in power. It tortrued and murdered its own Africans when they dared to protest. the work also has a very good section on books for further reading and those interested in the topic, such as myself, can delve deeper if they so choose to.

For anyone interested in South Africa, this book is a must! It wonderfully describes South Africa's cultural history, and the recipes are delicious! (I recommend Melkterts and Koeksisters)

I read this book many years ago, and continue to be impressed by its grasp of the subject matter.
I also remember that, as the Cape Times pointed out, it has a very workmanlike index (which was written by the present reviewer).

Highly recommended.

I just bought this book for my grandchild and was so happy that he enjoyed it as much as myself. I am from South Africa, and was glad to find a book that showed the joy and sweetness of that country. People around the world forget that there are little children that go to sleep everynight all over S.A. and just live simple lives. The pictures were realistic and lovely and made me homesick! I think this gives my grandchild a wonderful view of an incredible country and they have brought back memories for me. Thank You

Everyone in South Africa points visitors to this book when they inquire about wine. While it has informative discussions about SA wine and the wine industry generally, its true strength lies in its "guidebook"-style descriptions of the wines produced by each vineyard, with which vintages and specialties to pursue. While most of the wines profiled are not exported, the guide is an excellent source for anyone intending to bring wine home from South Africa, and is essential for anyone ordering wine directly.