Smuts 2. The Fields of Force 1919-1950

Published by Cambridge Cambridge University Press 1968, hardcover, index, 589 pages, condition: very good.

This second and final volume covers the decades of crucial conflict in which Smuts was twice Prime Minister but spent as many years in active opposition. His story as a fighter is at times triumphant but at times tragic. Sir Keith Hancock analyses tow passionate debates of the period: one among Afrikaners about their relaions with the British, the other among all South Africans over the colour issue. Smuts was deeply involved not only in the political but also in the intellectual crisis of this Century. For almost every week of the last 30 years of his life, at least one long letter in his own hand has survived. He exchanged news and views with his friends about family affairs, books, botanical and archaeological expeditions, scientific concepts, religious experiences, and the state of the nation and the world. His letters mirror the mood and thought of his generation throughout the years of false security, of appeasement, of war and sombre victory. This study will reward students of South African history and world affairs with valuable information and insights. His hand-written letters to friends, weekly over 30 years, have survived and clearly show his appreciation of twentieth century intellectual issues and world affairs.