New Dictionary of South African Place Names by Peter Edmund Raper is one of the most comprehensive and important reference works ever published on South African geographical names and their origins. Published by Jonathan Ball Publishers in 2004, this substantial hardcover edition builds upon decades of research into the linguistic, cultural, and historical development of place names across South Africa and the broader southern African region.
Containing more than 6,000 entries, New Dictionary of South African Place Names examines the origins and meanings of towns, rivers, mountains, districts, settlements, and historical locations, incorporating indigenous African names alongside colonial and modern nomenclature. Peter Edmund Raper, a leading authority on toponymy and former chairman of South Africa's National Place Names Committee, provides scholarly yet highly accessible explanations that make this volume invaluable to researchers, academics, historians, genealogists, travellers, and collectors of Africana reference works.
New Dictionary of South African Place Names traces influences from Afrikaans, English, Khoisan, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Portuguese, and numerous other linguistic traditions that shaped the South African landscape over centuries. It also addresses name changes, historical spellings, pronunciation variants, and cultural significance, making it a fascinating insight into the country's layered history and identity.
This 2004 Jonathan Ball Publishers hardcover edition remains highly sought after due to its usefulness as both a practical reference and a collectible Africana title. An excellent addition to any South African history collection, university library, genealogy archive, or specialist Africana bookshelf.
Condition - Very GoodÂ
Very good hardcover. The book would present as near fine overall, but there is prior ownership ink inscription present on the endpaper and half-title page. Binding remains strong and secure, with clean boards and an attractive overall appearance.
