The First South African; The Life and Times of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick

The First South African: The Life and Times of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick by A.P. Cartwright is a biography that explores the life of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a key figure in South African history. Born in 1862, Fitzpatrick was a writer, politician, and businessman, best known for his literary work Jock of the Bushveld, which captured his experiences in the South African wilderness.

The book highlights Fitzpatrick’s significant role in the development of South Africa, particularly his involvement in the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 and his leadership in the Het Volk party. Cartwright examines Fitzpatrick’s relationships with important figures like Cecil Rhodes and Jan Smuts, as well as his contributions to South Africa’s political and cultural landscape. The biography presents a nuanced portrait of a man deeply intertwined with both the British colonial establishment and the emerging South African nation.