Overview

Originally published in 1982 and based on the 1969 Oxford History of South Africa, this book discusses some of the trends in the historiography of South Africa before the beginning of large-scale mining operations in Kimberley in 1870. A deliberate attempt was made to look at the roots of South African society and to take due account of all its peoples. The book includes a survey of archaeological data, emphasizing the links between South Africa and the rest of the continent, and between the more remote and more recent past in South Africa. The lives of the hunting, herding and cultivating peoples who lived in South Africa before the advent of the Europeans. The foundation of a colonial society is described, and the expansion of that society until the 1770s. The final chapters review the relations between the peoples of the Cape Colony and the Nguni cultivators from their first meetings until about 1870 and the growth of the plural society in the Cape Colony until 1970.

Full Product Details

9781032316376

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Reviews

‘A turning-point in South African historiography to which all subsequent writing must relate.’ Hermann Giliomee ‘This great work of accuracy and integrity should be saluted everywhere in Africa.’ Radio Zambia/Radio Tanzania ‘…this book in its total conception and fine scholarship is an important landmark in South African historiography.’ Phyllis Lewsen, Sunday Times, Johannesburg ‘This brilliant volume…does for South Africa what has never been done before.’ Cecil Northcott, Daily Telegraph ‘..a comprehensive reappraisal of South African history that was long overdue.’ Times Literary Supplement.

Author Information

Cornelis W. de Kiewiet was President of Cornell and Rochester Universities, USA.

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