From Publishers Weekly
In a magisterial work, Thompson examines South Africa's current crisis in terms of past clashes involving the Dutch and British invaders. and the Af rikaners. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
YA-- A penetrative probe into South Africa's memorable history. Beginning with the earliest aborigines of the area and concluding with the up-to-date happenings, Thompson examines primarily the encounters of blacks. The text is basic for any reader who wishes to comprehend the historical patterns that preface the struggles that seethe and boil in this country. A careful, reliable book for student research. --Mike Printz, Topeka West High School, KSCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Thompson has produced an excellent overview of South African history which reflects the most current trends in scholarship. Written for the general reader, it emphasizes political history, especially as related to the development of race relations. Unlike Illustrated History of South Africa, edited by Dougie Oakes ( LJ 4/15/89), which includes social and cultural aspects and is formatted like a textbook, Thompson's succinct book reads more like an interpretive essay designed to highlight those themes most important for an understanding of the problems facing South Africa. Given Thompson's importance in the field (he is director of Yale's Southern African Research Program), this work is recommended for most libraries. Paul H. Thomas, Hoover Inst. Lib., Stanford, Cal.Copyright 1990 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Lorna Hahn, New York Times Book Review
"An admirably objective history of South Africa . . . [that] will be most useful in contemplating the country's future."


Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"A history that is both accurate and authentic, written in a delightful literary style."


Book Description
A leading scholar of South Africa provides a fresh and penetrating exploration of that country's history, from the earliest known human inhabitation of the region to the present, focusing primarily on the experiences of its black inhabitants. For this third edition, Leonard Thompson adds two new chapters that describe the transfer of power and the new South Africa under the presidencies of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki


About the Author
Leonard Thompson is Charles J. Stillé Professor of History Emeritus at Yale University and director of the former Yale Southern African Research Program. He has written and edited many books, including The Political Mythology of Apartheid, The Frontier in History (with Howard Lamar), and South African Politics (with Andrew Prior), all published by Yale University Press.

ANNOTATION

A fresh and penetrating exploration of South Africa's eventful history that focuses primarily on the experiences of the black inhabitants rather than those of the white minority. Written by one of the premier scholars of South Africa, it is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the historical patterns behind the conflicts in South Africa.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the revised version of this acclaimed work, Leonard Thompson has added a new chapter, outlining the country's remarkable transition from a racist political order to a democratic one. A substantial new preface has also been added, and footnotes have been expanded. Above all, this penetrating exploration of South Africa's eventful history - from the earliest known human settlement of the region to the present day - focuses primarily on the experiences of the black inhabitants rather than on those of the white minority.

FROM THE CRITICS

Desmond Tutu

A history that is both accurate and authentic; written in a delightful literary style.

Desmond Tutu

A history that is both accurate and authentic, written in a delightful literary style.

School Library Journal

YA-- A penetrative probe into South Africa's memorable history. Beginning with the earliest aborigines of the area and concluding with the up-to-date happenings, Thompson examines primarily the encounters of blacks. The text is basic for any reader who wishes to comprehend the historical patterns that preface the struggles that seethe and boil in this country. A careful, reliable book for student research. --Mike Printz, Topeka West High School, KS

Lorna Hahn - New York Times Book Review

An admirably objective history of South Africa . . . [that] will be most useful in contemplating the country's future.

Foreign Affairs

This is a work of insight and durability that is certain to assist South Africa's coming generation of nation-builders to reach a more objective understanding of their past.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

A history that is both accurate and authentic, written in a delightful literary style. — Archbishop Desmond Tutu

ACCREDITATION