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This is our shelf of South African lives: the biographies and memoirs of the people who shaped the country and its story, from politics and conservation to war and the arts. Titles range from Ouma Smuts to Let Not My Country Die, often in scarce or first editions.
Each is a real book from our Howick shop, described by its true condition, and posted across South Africa and worldwide. Browse below, or get in touch with Rob if you have South African biographies or memoirs to sell.
163 products
In No Uncertain Terms is essential reading for anyone interested in South African history, politics, and biography. Helen Suzman’s voice remains vital and relevant, offering enduring lessons on accountability, leadership, and the…
A Colossus of Roads – Patricia Storrar's 1984 account of Thomas Bain, the Victorian engineer who built many of the great mountain passes of the Cape, with design and photography by Günther…
A compelling and controversial account of André de Ruyter's three years as Eskom CEO. Truth to Power exposes alleged corruption, political interference, sabotage and the extraordinary challenges of managing South Africa's embattled…
A fascinating 1998 biography of legendary Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen by Edward Griffiths. Exploring his remarkable rugby career, the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory and the emergence of professional…
Mac - The Face of Rugby - Collectable 2000 first edition paperback of Mac - The Face of Rugby, the autobiography of legendary Natal Sharks and Springbok coach Ian McIntosh, written with…
Politically Incorrect - A candid and controversial autobiography by former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, written with Gavin Rich. From his early life in Paarl to leading the Springboks, De Villiers discusses…
Life with Mike - A heartfelt collection of anecdotes celebrating the life of South African Mike 'Cheese' Meintjes, compiled by Heather Parker Lewis and illustrated with cartoons by Tony Grogan. Published in…
Patriots & Parasites - An insightful political memoir by former South African MP Dene Smuts, examining the country's democratic transition, constitutional development, political leadership and continuing struggle with its past.
Antjie Krog's A Change of Tongue (2003) is a compelling exploration of language, identity and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. Blending personal reflections with social commentary, Krog examines the challenges of cultural…
A first edition, first printing of Antjie Krog's Begging to Be Black (2009). Combining autobiography, history and philosophical reflection, Krog explores identity, race, reconciliation and cultural belonging in South Africa. Paperback in…
A powerful and thought-provoking read, An Unpopular War is a must-have for those interested in understanding the personal histories behind the larger political landscape of Southern Africa during a tumultuous period in…
In Tramp Royal, Couzens traces Trader Horn’s extraordinary journey from industrial Lancashire in the 1860s through the remote frontiers of Africa, the spectacle of Buffalo Bill’s America, the streets of Victorian London,…
This 1989 hardcover edition of The War Diaries of Andre Dennison from Ashanti Publishing Limited is a valuable addition for collectors of military history, African historical narratives, and personal wartime memoirs. Its detailed…
A gripping South African true-crime account exploring the life and investigations of celebrated detective Piet Byleveld, written by journalist Hanlie Retief. An absorbing combination of biography, policing history and major criminal cases.
Thomas François Burgers - An unusually well-preserved 1946 English edition of Dr S. P. Engelbrecht's important biography of President Thomas François Burgers, with a preface by Field-Marshal J. C. Smuts. Near Fine…
Near fine 1939 Oxford Bookshelf edition of Elsa Smithers' classic South African autobiography, retaining its original dust jacket and excellent foldout map. A desirable early Africana memoir spanning the Transvaal, gold and…
Near fine first edition of H.B. Thom’s substantial Afrikaans biography of D.F. Malan, published by Tafelberg in 1980. An important Africana work covering Malan’s life, Afrikaner nationalism and twentieth-century South African political…
First edition of Maria Hugo's Piet Retief, published by Voortrekkerpers in 1961 as part of its historical reading series. An Afrikaans account of Retief's life, the Great Trek, Natal and his dealings…
Lucky Bastard - A new, author-signed copy of Anthony Akerman's compelling 2024 memoir exploring adoption, identity, family, exile, homecoming and belonging. A moving and witty contemporary South African autobiography.
Maverick Writers - New 2026 paperback with French flaps, signed by Anthony Akerman on the title page. A fascinating literary memoir exploring Akerman's friendships with and admiration for major South African writers…
