A penetrating overview of South Africa and its varied and complex history that will appeal to the many visitors to the country and anyone fascinated by its present and past. A Traveller’s History of South Africa is intended as a comprehensive single-volume survey of one of today’s most popular and exciting destinations. Lifting the lid on this most multicultural of societies—and its chequered past—the book begins by tracing the evolution of South Africa from prehistoric times, taking into account the most recent archaeological and anthropological findings. It then charts the penetration of the region by European explorers and traders; the political, social, and economic developments that followed on from this, and, finally, the complicated descent into state repression of the black-majority population after the Second World War. Bringing the story up-to-date, the book also includes practical information for the visitor, as well as a full compendium of historical facts and data. Illustrated with line drawings and historical maps, this is an invaluable book for all visitors and armchair travellers.