Twentieth-Century South Africa (New Edition

by William Beinart

An innovative examination of the forces-both destructive and dynamic-which have shaped South Africa, this book provides a stimulating introduction to the history of the nation in the twentieth century. It draws on the rich and lively tradition of radical history writing and weaves economic and cultural history into the political narrative.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, South Africa, Africa

432 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1994

Reviews

[Paul O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of its subject. Stays within its time period. Covers the social, economic, political, racial, and geographical factors that made South Africa the type of country it was through the 20th century. Because the coverage of subject is wide, depth is sacrificed. A reader searching for detailed answers to specific question won’t find satisfaction here. Also, the delivery is efficient as well as informative, so with that efficiency comes a very textbookish feel.
I picked this up from a used bookstore simply because I felt my knowledge of South Africa was lacking in breadth. Well worth the small money spent.

[Mish Middelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent examination of the last century of white political power in South Africa. Clear, concise and damning of what my people did. Even-handed in critique of all players in the century.

Wish I had reviewed this closer to the time I read it!