The Afrikaner's Interpretation of South African History

Although the emphasis in this volume falls on the Afrikaner's interpretation of South African history, the writer also discusses the approach of English-speaking South Africans and the Bantu to the country's past. The first essay dealing with the Afrikaner's ideas of his calling and mission sheds light on the traditional approach and frame of mind of the Afrikaner and its application to the changed world of today, especially in the field of race relations. In the five studies that follow he shows the role of history in formulating the philosophy of life and outlook of a people how it influenced a people's thoughts and thus became a determinant in political and human relationships. The origin and development of the Afrikaner's conception of history is traced and the growth of his image of history delineated, also the parallelism between the historical experiences of a people, its vision of the past, and the form taken in its historical writings. The material presented will lead to a clearer understanding of the Afrikaner people and explain why they have pursued a course that has made them the cy nosure of world-wide attention. In the remaining essays the author gives his version of subjectivity, objectivity and relativity in the writing of history. The teaching of history in South African schools is dealt with too. This is a subject that has been widely discussed, often heatedly, in the press during the past decade and still gives rise to lively debate. The book is a valuable contribute tion to historical scholarship and is recommended to the notice of all who take a serious interest in South African affairs.

Hardback. English. Simondium. 1964. Good Condition.