Tore Linné Eriksen

The History of South Africa. Pre-colonial society, apartheid and liberation

Sør-Afrikas historie. Førkoloniale samfunn, apartheid og frigjøring

In this important work, Tore Linné Eriksen presents a broad narrative about the extraordinary, tumultuous history of South Africa. Stretching from the societies that created rich and vibrant cave paintings almost 30,000 years ago, through colonisation to the free South Africa of today.

The History of South Africa has been received enthusiastically by critics, who have emphasized how it is an expert account that is simultaneously engaging due to its unadorned, accessible style and the author’s obvious passion for the subject matter. Overarching historical event is juxtaposed with individuals on the ground level.

Richly illustrated with maps and photographs, timelines and fact boxes, in addition to an overview of elections, presidents and prime ministers.

‘The history book we were in need of has finally arrived (…) masterfully written and a treasure for anyone interested in South Africa’s history and the challenges ahead facing the country and its people.’

Ny Tid

’ will become a standard reference work.’

Vårt Land

‘(…) a highly topical, informative and accessible book on the history of South Africa.’

Bistandsaktuelt

Tore Linné Eriksen (b. 1945) is a historian, non-fiction writer and a professor emeritus in development studies at Oslo and Akershus University College. He has written a number of books that have won awards at national and international level.
He has been a keen observer of events in the whole of southern Africa since the 1960s, both as a researcher and participant in the anti-apartheid struggle. A combination of broad insight and vibrant enthusiasm make The History of South Africa a unique book.