A History of South Africa to 1870

This book explores the trends in the historiography of South Africa before the beginning of large-scale mining operations in Kimberley in 1870, focusing on the lives of hunting, herding, and cultivating peoples, the foundation of a colonial society, and the expansion of that society until the 1770s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 474 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1982 and based on the 1969 Oxford History of South Africa, this comprehensive book delves into the trends in the historiography of South Africa before the commencement of large-scale mining operations in Kimberley in 1870. With a deliberate focus on examining the roots of South African society and giving due recognition to all its diverse peoples, the book encompasses a comprehensive survey of archaeological data, highlighting the profound connections between South Africa and the rest of the continent, as well as the more distant and recent past of the country. The narrative unfolds the lives of the hunting, herding, and cultivating communities that thrived in South Africa prior to the arrival of European explorers. It also delves into the foundation of a colonial society and its subsequent expansion until the 1770s. The final chapters provide a detailed review of the evolving relations between the peoples of the Cape Colony and the Nguni cultivators, from their initial encounters to around 1870, and the growth of a plural society in the Cape Colony until 1970. This rich and detailed account offers a comprehensive perspective on the historical development of South Africa, shedding light on the complex tapestry of its past and contributing to our understanding of this fascinating nation.

Weight: 1040g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032316277