The History of South Africa


Book Description

To quote the title of Nelson Mandela's 1994 autobiography, it has been a long walk to freedom. The history of South Africa, one of the oldest inhabited places on earth, is also the story of one of the newest nations, made and remade over the last century. This compellingly written history of South Africa, from prehistoric times through 1999, is the only up-to-date history of the nation. Beginning with an overview of the modern nation, this narrative history traces South Africa from prehistory through the European invasions, the settlement by Dutch, the imposition of British rule, the many internecine wars for control of the nation, the institution of apartheid, and, finally, freedom for all South Africans in 1994 and the Mandela years 1994-1999. Twin themes of colonial rule and racism intertwine over the course of the last three hundred and fifty years. Beck, a specialist in the history of South Africa, illuminates the conflicts, personalities, and tragedies of South African history over this period, culminating in the end of apartheid in 1994, the release from prison of Nelson Mandela, and his formation of a new government. Brief sketches of key people in the history of South Africa, a glossary of terms, maps, and a bibliographic essay of suggested reading complete the work. Every library should update its resources on South Africa with this engagingly written and authoritative history.




The Emergence of Modern South Africa


Book Description

The Emergence of Modern South Africa views economic conflict, specifically the interaction of the state, big business, and labor, as the central issue in the development of South Africa. Yudelman focuses on the labor-management conflict in the country's gold fields in the early decades of this century, a time and place critical to the development of the state. At that time government walked a tightrope between supporting big business (to ensure economic growth) and appeasing the workers (to remain in power). Yudelman demonstrates how a symbiotic alliance between the mining companies and the state successfully subjugated the workers, and points out that this unique relationship continues to this day, dominating every aspect of life in South Africa. David Yudelman's historical analysis and lengthy epilogue on the 1970s and 1980s shed light on today's economic unrest and those conflicts to come. His book also shows how the South African case provides early and important insights into the development of the state-business symbiosis in industrial societies everywhere.




Scientific Racism in Modern South Africa


Book Description

A study of the history of intellectual and scientific racism in modern South Africa.







Intellectual History in Contemporary South Africa


Book Description

In examining the intellectual history in contemporary South Africa, Eze engages with the emergence of ubuntu as one discourse that has become a mirror and aftermath of South Africa s overall historical narrative. This book interrogates a triple socio-political representation of ubuntu as a displacement narrative for South Africa s colonial consciousness; as offering a new national imaginary through its inclusive consciousness, in which different, competing, and often antagonistic memories and histories are accommodated; and as offering a historicity in which the past is transformed as a symbol of hope for the present and the future. This book offers a model for African intellectual history indignant to polemics but constitutive of creative historicism and healthy humanism.




South Africa


Book Description

A comprehensive survey of the whole of South African history from pre-colonial times to 1999, essentail for for serious students of the subject. It handles all major topics in some depth, with special focus on the dramatic changes in that country since 1990.




South Africa


Book Description




A Short History of South Africa


Book Description

South Africa is popularly perceived as the most influential nation in Africa – a gateway to an entire continent for finance, trade and politics, and a crucial mediator in its neighbours' affairs. On the other hand, post-Apartheid dreams of progress and reform have, in part, collapsed into a morass of corruption, unemployment and criminal violence. A Short History of South Africa is a brief, general account of the history of this most complicated and fascinating country – from the first evidence of hominid existence to the wars of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries that led to the establishment of modern South Africa, the horrors of Apartheid and the optimism following its collapse, as well as the prospects and challenges for the future. This readable and thorough account, illustrated with maps and photographs, is the culmination of a lifetime of researching and teaching the broad spectrum of South African history. Nattrass's passion for her subject shines through, whether she is elucidating the reader on early humans in the cradle of humankind, or describing the tumultuous twentieth-century processes that shaped the democracy that is South Africa today.




The Making of Modern South Africa


Book Description

The new edition of The Making of Modern South Africa provides a comprehensive, current introduction to the key themes and debates concerning the history of this controversial country. Engagingly written, the author provides a sharp, analytical overview of the new South Africa. Examines the major issues in South Africa's history, from pre-colonial to present, including colonial conquest; the establishment of racism, segregation, and apartheid; resistance movements; and the eventual founding of democracy Contains an additional final chapter that takes the story to the present and considers the challenges and compromises of the first two decades of democracy Updated with material on post-apartheid era and current issues in South Africa The only book that gives direct guidance to bibliographical material and readings on key debates Provides a sharp, analytical overview of the new South Africa Extensive references are given to the key writings on each topic and the debates between scholars




South Africa


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive survey of the whole of South African history from pre-colonial times to 1999. It handles all major topics in some depth, with special focus on the dramatic changes in that country since 1990. It includes an important chapter on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and information on the recent South African elections. Both authors have long experience of university teaching in South Africa and have published widely in the field.