These Were My Yesterdays

These Were My Yesterdays by Iris Vaughan, published by Howard Timmins in 1966, is a charming and enduring classic of South African memoir writing, cherished for its vivid personality, historical richness, and delightful humour. Presented as a collection of the author’s childhood reminiscences, the book captures life in the early years of the twentieth century with remarkable immediacy. Iris Vaughan’s voice—wry, observant, mischievous, and unmistakably authentic—has long set this memoir apart, turning it into a beloved favourite for readers who appreciate both regional history and the pure pleasure of good storytelling.

As a collectible vintage edition, this 1966 printing carries the unmistakable character of Howard Timmins’s mid-century publications, known for their appeal to readers interested in South African culture and heritage.

Within the pages of These Were My Yesterdays, Vaughan recounts her youthful adventures in the small towns and rural landscapes of the Cape, offering a candid, child’s-eye view of colonial society. Her anecdotes, both humorous and poignant, reveal the rhythms, customs, and personalities that shaped her world. The simplicity of her experiences—schoolroom escapades, encounters with eccentric neighbours, domestic mishaps, and observations of a rapidly changing society—renders the memoir timeless. Vaughan’s charm lies in her ability to record these memories with both innocence and sharp wit, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is historically informative.

Collectors and readers seeking insight into turn-of-the-century South African life will find These Were My Yesterdays a captivating and valuable addition to any library. Its blend of humour, nostalgia, and social detail continues to resonate, offering a warm and engaging portrayal of a bygone era.