‘Alan Paton: Selected letters’ is a collection of letters that was written
by the well-known author Alan Paton. This collection of letters will be of
interest to anybody with a passion for 20th century South African and African
history in general. As a source on the life and work of Alan Paton it is also
very valuable.
Alan Paton wrote his letters on a great number of subjects. His correspondents include family members, colleagues, friends and a list of well-known individuals including authors and politicians. The first of these letters was written while Paton was still a student. The last letter was written shortly before his death.
Although Paton touches on a wide range of issues in his letters, and although Paton was a man who partook in a variety of projects during his life, what is of particular interest is of course Paton’s process of authorship and his frustrations as an author. Paton was a man who had a passion for literature from a very early age in his life, but after the success of his world famous novel ‘Cry, the beloved country’, Paton was not able to write another book with as much success. This led to frustration for Paton, something that comes to the fore in these letters.
The process of writing and the particulars of a famous novel receive a lot of attention in this book. And it is in a fascinating format since it was not written specifically for this publication. It is written piece by piece for individuals and presented as an enjoyable and compact whole.
Of great interest is Paton’s political activism – something that is lesser known about him to those interested in his work. For many years Paton was a member of the parliament in South Africa. He was a staunch critic of the policy of apartheid and racial segregation, but Paton was never a revolutionary politician. Alan Paton’s views as a politician is well reflected in these letters.
A lot is also to be learned of Paton’s personal relationships in these letters. Alan Paton was married twice, had children and had close friendships. A lot of the letters was written to his family, especially during the time while he was working on ‘Cry...’.
It is very important to study primary sources of historical nature. It brings us much closer to the past than any textbook can do. This publication makes precisely that possible and therefore it is a very valuable contribution to the collection of important documents in our historical heritage and very well worth the read.
Alan Paton wrote his letters on a great number of subjects. His correspondents include family members, colleagues, friends and a list of well-known individuals including authors and politicians. The first of these letters was written while Paton was still a student. The last letter was written shortly before his death.
Although Paton touches on a wide range of issues in his letters, and although Paton was a man who partook in a variety of projects during his life, what is of particular interest is of course Paton’s process of authorship and his frustrations as an author. Paton was a man who had a passion for literature from a very early age in his life, but after the success of his world famous novel ‘Cry, the beloved country’, Paton was not able to write another book with as much success. This led to frustration for Paton, something that comes to the fore in these letters.
The process of writing and the particulars of a famous novel receive a lot of attention in this book. And it is in a fascinating format since it was not written specifically for this publication. It is written piece by piece for individuals and presented as an enjoyable and compact whole.
Of great interest is Paton’s political activism – something that is lesser known about him to those interested in his work. For many years Paton was a member of the parliament in South Africa. He was a staunch critic of the policy of apartheid and racial segregation, but Paton was never a revolutionary politician. Alan Paton’s views as a politician is well reflected in these letters.
A lot is also to be learned of Paton’s personal relationships in these letters. Alan Paton was married twice, had children and had close friendships. A lot of the letters was written to his family, especially during the time while he was working on ‘Cry...’.
It is very important to study primary sources of historical nature. It brings us much closer to the past than any textbook can do. This publication makes precisely that possible and therefore it is a very valuable contribution to the collection of important documents in our historical heritage and very well worth the read.
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