Of Tricksters, Tyrants and Turncoats: More Unusual Stories From South Africa's Past - Max du Preez

The sequel to the bestselling Of Warriors, Lovers and Prophets, this is a collection of more fascinating, colourful, and mostly unknown, historical tales all meticulously researched and written in a lively and engaging style.

There are stories of Khoikhoi who tried, with mixed fortunes, to integrate into early Cape Colonial society and eccentric Europeans who ventured into the turbulent interior. Readers will meet the Xhosa mystic and war-doctor Makhanda, who nearly succeeded in taking Grahamstown from the British in 1809, and the chieftainess Mantatisi, who led her people to military victories during the upheavals of the nineteenth century.

Also featured are the Johannesburg based Foster Gang, who were indirectly responsible for the killing of Boer hero Koos de la Rey: and the men who pulled off the biggest jewellery heist of the time, stealing Bridget Oppenheimers jewels in 1936.

Of Tricksters, Tyrants and Turncoats spans more than three hundred years of history, concluding with an account of the man who exposed South Africas controversial arms deal.

Once again Max du Preez brings the past to life, proving that history can be more interesting, and more fun, than fiction.

ISBN: 9781770220430

Pages: 232

Trade paperback with flaps

Zebra Press, 2008

Good condition

B127