A Cricket in the Thorn Tree – Helen Suzman and the Progressive Party by Joanna Strangwayes-Booth

A Cricket in the Thorn Tree: Helen Suzman and the Progressive Party by Joanna Strangwayes-Booth is an important and highly readable account of one of South Africa’s most respected political figures. Published in 1976 by Hutchinson of South Africa, this biography explores the life, convictions, and parliamentary career of Helen Suzman, whose outspoken criticism of apartheid policies made her one of the most distinctive voices in South African politics during the twentieth century.

For many years, Suzman stood virtually alone in Parliament as a consistent critic of racial discrimination and authoritarian government policy. Joanna Strangwayes-Booth provides both political context and personal insight, examining Suzman’s role within the Progressive Party and the broader liberal opposition movement in apartheid-era South Africa. The work captures the atmosphere of political tension and ideological conflict that shaped the country during the 1960s and 1970s, making it an essential addition to collections focusing on Africana, South African political history, and anti-apartheid literature.

The book remains sought after by historians, researchers, collectors of Africana, and readers interested in liberal political movements in Southern Africa. A Cricket in the Thorn Tree offers valuable insight into parliamentary resistance, democratic principles, and the personal resilience of one of South Africa’s most influential female politicians.

A Cricket in the Thorn Tree is a desirable collectible political biography that fits well within Africana collections, anti-apartheid studies, and twentieth-century South African historical libraries.

Condition – Very Good 

1976 hardcover. Very good condition overall. Black boards with bright white titling to the spine. Internally clean and well preserved. Dust jacket is in fair condition with noticeable wear and a tear at the top spine hinge