Présentation de l'éditeur
This book provides a succinct synthesis of South African history from the introduction of agriculture about 1500 years ago up to and including the government of Nelson Mandela. Stressing economic, social, cultural and environmental matters as well as political history, it shows how South Africa has become a single country. On the one hand it lays emphasis on the country's African heritage, and shows how this continues to influence social structures, ways of thought and ideas of governance. On the other, it chronicles the processes of colonial conquest and of economic development and unification stemming from the industrial revolution which began at the end of the nineteenth century. This leads on to a description and analysis of the fundamental political changes which South Africa is currently undergoing, while providing a background for the understanding of those many things which have not changed.
Revue de presse
'Ross … writes clearly and vigorously and covers a remarkable range of topics … the book is attractively produced and liberally illustrated.' The Times Literary Supplement
'… it encompasses a greater breadth of issues than any other single text that is currently in print. As such, it provides either an excellent introduction for the advanced higher student, or a brilliant synthesis towards the end of the course, at a point when the student who has mastered the detail should be looking to revisit 'the big picture'. SATH, History Teaching Review
