Call It Rhodesia

Call It Rhodesia by W. A. Ballinger, first published in 1967 by Howard Baker, presents an evocative, first-hand account of life in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during a time of social change, national aspiration and colonial legacy. Ballinger offers insights into the people, landscapes and political currents that defined Rhodesia in the mid-20th century, reflecting on settler experience, indigenous culture and the complex dynamics of a country on the brink of transformation. His writing combines observation, anecdote and historical reflection, delivering a humane and textured picture of a contested land.

Throughout the book, Ballinger describes daily life in towns and rural areas, exploring the agricultural economy, social institutions, the challenges faced by diverse communities, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. The narrative is enriched by personal stories, vivid descriptions of the terrain, and an embedded sense of place that captures the spirit of Rhodesia as it was then. He also contemplates the future of the country: how nationalism, governance, and identity were shaping what it would become.

Call It Rhodesia is a valuable resource for readers interested in southern African history, colonial life, and political change. It appeals to historians, social scientists and general readers drawn to memoir and travel combined with political commentary. Ballinger’s work remains a thoughtful, accessible chronicle of a country in flux and of the individuals whose lives were bound up in its complex legacy.