The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa
Starred review from September 15, 2007
Meredith ("The Fate of Africa") continues his superb accounts of Africa, here centering on the period from the discovery of the first diamond field in 1870 to the formation of the modern state in 1910. South Africa in the early 1800s was a hodgepodge of British colonies, Boer republics, and African chiefdoms until the discovery of rich diamond and gold deposits. Raw power, corruption, racism, and the debacle of the Anglo-Boer War (18991902) are well covered in this distinguished account. Throughout, Meredith intertwines and exposes the roles of diamond titan Cecil Rhodes and Boer leader Paul Kruger, who defied the British for nearly a quarter of a century. Underlying this story is the horrible cost to Africas native peoples and the rise of the virulent Afrikaner nationalism that lasted nearly a century. Meredith thoroughly involves us in this gripping history. Highly recommended for all libraries.Mary C. Allen, Everett P.L., WA
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.