South African historian and author of History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present, Thula Simpson, believes the most common misconception about South African history is related to apartheid: ‘Many believe that apartheid is the central thread of South African history, the overwhelming fact, the unifying category to which all roads and streams must lead, and which can explain all. In fact, apartheid is a specific period in a much longer history of segregation, and it cannot be understood except in the context of that wider story.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
I was raised in London in the late analogue age, so my first book purchasing forays involved going to Foyles, Blackwell’s, and Waterstones—all the great bookstores in the centre of town. History books were well represented among these first voluntary additions to my personal library. But it was books chosen for me—whether prescribed at school or purchased for me by my family—that originally kindled that interest. Regarding the latter, my family wanted to preserve the connection with South Africa and among the books they provided to enable that were The Mind of South Africa by Allister Sparks, and The Reader’s Digest Illustrated History of South Africa. The Encyclopaedia Britannica was also an important reference work. But I should not telescope my recollections based on the path that my life eventually took. I say this because my tastes were broad...
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