A Concise History of South Africa

　　This book provides a succinct synthesis of South African history from the introduction of agriculture about 1500 years ago up to and including the government of Nelson Mandela. Stressing economic, social, cultural and environmental matters as well as political history, it shows how South Africa has become a single country. On the one hand it lays emphasis on the country's African heritage, and shows how this continues to influence social structures, ways of thought and ideas of governance. On the other, it chronicles the processes of colonial conquest and of economic development and unification stemming from the industrial revolution which began at the end of the nineteenth century. This leads on to a de*ion and analysis of the fundamental political changes which South Africa is currently undergoing, while providing a background for the understanding of those many things which have not changed.
　　? Up-to-date both in its coverage and in its synthesis of recent research ? Well written ? Copiously illustrated

1. Introduction
2. The settlement of the land
3. Colonial conquest
4. Unification
5. Consolidation
6. Apartheid
7. The costs of apartheid
8. 'Let Freedom Reign': the end of apartheid and the transition to democracy, 1980–1994
9. Epilogue: the acid rain of freedom
Suggestions for further reading.