Brief Description
This book examines five hundred years of South African economic history.
Learn More about the Book
Charles Feinstein surveys five hundred years of South African economic history from the years preceding European settlements in 1652 through to the post-Apartheid era. Following the early phase of slow growth, he charts the transformation of the economy as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold in the 1870s, and the rapid rise of industry in the wartime years. Finally, emphasizing the ways by which the black population was deprived of land, and induced to supply labor for white farms, mines and factories, Feinstein documents the introduction of apartheid after 1948, and its consequences for economic performance,
About the Author
Charles H. Feinstein is Emeritus Professor of Economic History at the University of Oxford. His previous publications include The European Economy between the Wars (1997) and Making History Count (2002).
Review Quotes
1. 'An Economic History of South Africa [is] an excellent overview of the county's history. it will be of interest to anyone who wants an introduction to South Africa. It would be a shame if the readership of this accessible volume were confined to those studying economic history, for no one reading this book will doubt the difficult legacy of social inequality and economic injustice inherited by the post-apartheid South African government.' Economic History Review
2. 'An Economic History of South Africa Ýis¨ an excellent overview of the county's history. it will be of interest to anyone who wants an introduction to South Africa. It would be a shame if the readership of this accessible volume were confined to those studying economic history, for no one reading this book will doubt the difficult legacy of social inequality and economic injustice inherited by the post-apartheid South African government.' Economic History Review
3. '... an authoritative work destined for the student in the fields of (South) African economics, history and politics.' The Journal of Modern African Studies
4. '... a masterful contribution to our understanding of the interplay between the processes of conquest, discrimination and economic development in South Africa up until the advent of democracy in 1994. ... this book is essential.' Journal of African History
5. '� an authoritative work destined for the student in the fields of (South) African economics, history and politics.' The Journal of Modern African Studies
6. '� a masterful contribution to our understanding of the interplay between the processes of conquest, discrimination and economic development in South Africa up until the advent of democracy in 1994. � this book is essential.' Journal of African History
7. "An Economic History of South Africa highlights the costs that have been imposed on the majority populations and the economy itself by the illogic of racial exploitation and the denial of educational and occupational opportunity. This book provides a reliable introduction to the economic history of South Africa."
-James L. A. Webb, Jr., Colby College
8. "As one would expect from such an eminent economist, Feinstein provides the reader with a solid introduction to South African economic history...It should be purchased by all libraries with an African collection and by South African scholars as a core book in their collection."
-Roger B. Beck, Eastern Illinois University
9. "This comprehensive survey of South Africa's economic history is highly recommended and would make a fine college text to complement standard political histories. Scholars will long be indebted to Feinstein for bringing together so much primary and secondary material in such a readable way."
-Peter Limb, Michigan State University, African Studies Review
