South Africa in Pictures (Visual Geography Series)

Watson, R. L.; English, Peter

ISBN 10: 082251835X ISBN 13: 9780822518358

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 1988

Synopsis

Introduces the geography, history, government, economy, people and culture of the troubled Republic of South Africa

About this title

From School Library Journal:

ea. vol: rev. ed. 64p. charts. illus. maps. photogs. reprods. index. (Visual Geography Series). CIP. Lerner. 1988. PLB $9.95. Grade 5-8 The format of these volumes follows that of the old books: an introduction, then chapters on the land, history and government, people, and economy, all interspersed with numerous pictures. The addition of color photos plus many more maps and charts make for a livelier presentation. In both volumes, a decided change in tone comes as a welcome relief. Unlike the relentlessly upbeat viewpoint of the 1973 edition, Liberia explores the problems of a flagging economy and political unrest frankly and objectively. Gone too is the ethnocentrism that marred the earlier work. The text gives greater coverage to the history of slavery, the resettlement of the area, and the conflicts among the 16 major ethnic groups. It discusses the mixed legacy of the Tubman/Tolbert era, shows why the military coup of Sgt. Doe succeeded, and points out the strengths and weaknesses of his regime. South Africa has also undergone a sea change from the 1963 edition. It now includes a discussion of the townships and the controversial homelands. It shows how segregation developed and mentions Soweto, Mandela, Tutu, and Namibia. Although the book quotes both the pro- and anti-apartheid view, it makes crystal clear the injustices that the policy has produced. Lawson's South Africa (Watts, 1986) covers much of the same material for the same age group, but there is no other single volume available on Liberia. Ellen D. Warwick, Robbins Junior Lib . , Arlington, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 082251835X
• ISBN 13: 9780822518358
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 64