A History of South Africa, Fourth Edition

In the United States we have become so inundated with calls of racism and white supremacism in the 21st century, many Americans are confused. This book can help to clarify these terms and applications. White South Africans did everything imaginable to make sure that the majority black population would never be able to challenge their power in the government, economy, and society. This took place until 1990. These were racist white supremacists. The book also covers some of the challenges that South Africa faces in the post-apartheid period that are unrelated to the period of white rule.

Very much enjoyed this in depth read that goes way back and gives lovely context to the Mandela story we know well. Worrying times for a great nation.

It is interesting to note the proportion of reviewers who read this book because of an anticipated or experienced trip to South Africa. I am among them! My wife and I went to South Africa early in February and while there my profound and embarrassing ignorance about the country led me to Amazon, where I downloaded the book to my Kindle and started reading it immediately. It reads very well. In some places it is a bit of a slog, but that is inevitable in almost any comprehensive history. (I didn't finish the book until after we came home) Overall, I think the book moved along very well and certainly provided me with the information I wanted and needed to learn about and enjoy South Africa and her people. I recommend this book highly.

"A History of South Africa" by Leonard Thompson provides a comprehensive perspective on the country's complex and often turbulent past. The book covers South Africa's history from pre-colonial times through apartheid to the beginnings of democracy. One of its strongest features is the in-depth analysis of apartheid, including its origins, implementation, and eventual end. However, some of the updates added in later editions feel somewhat disconnected, often laden with statistics and repetitive. Overall, it serves as a valuable high-level overview of South African history.

A good introduction to the history of southern Africa and the genesis of the current country of South Africa, at least from a European perspective. It does not cover the African perspective in great depth, and so likely misses a large portion of the full history. I don't think this is due to a lack of recognition of this omission or a European bias per se (the very dark colonial history of Dutch and the British in the region is made clear), but likely a recognition that the author simply could not research this perspective adequately. Even with this limitation, it is a very reasonable choice for a person looking to gain some initial perspective on this unique country before a first visit.

I read this before and after a visit to SA on the way to safari in Botswana. I wish I had finished it before I left, as it would have provided the basis for good conversations the the people I metIt is a very complete history, up through 2014, clearly describing all the country's many, many problems, yet at the end holding out hope. My only criticism is that much too much attention is given to the pre-colonial history. It's a slow slog until you get to the late 19th century. But then it's riveting.

A terrific history of South Africa bringing the reader to a full understanding of the current era. A remarkable story of a country that is so beautiful one's heart aches when witnessing its natural splendor. And a tale of vicious greed and exploitation that has continued after the democratic transition. The book captures the undeniable truth of the brutality and evil indifference of its white settlers (a people who left a poisonous legacy to their descendants in the current generation of white South Africans) as well the disgusting corruption and greed of its current ANC rulers exemplified by the president, Jacob Zuma, and his acolytes. A man to be vilified throughout history equally as much as Nelson Mandela is to be celebrated.Highly recommended to anyone interested in South Africa and a must read for anyone planning to visit.

We are in South Africa on a five week visit and have spent time in Johannesburg, Soweto, Alexandra, the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Court, Sterk Fontein, Mala Mala, Cape Town, District 6 and we have seen and learned so much. “A History of South Africa” by Leonard Thompson was invaluable reading ahead of the trip. We learned about the early hominid history of South Africa, the Dutch, the Boers and Vortrekkers, the British Colonial Era, the Xhosa and other tribal wars, the Kimberly and De Beers diamond mine years, the Johannesburg Gold, the Boer War, the South Africa Union, the Apartheid Era, the release of. Elsinore Mandela, 1994 Mandela Presidency and rainbow years and South Africa today. A Must Read to understand South Africa then and today!