Ouma Smuts - Tom Macdonald
1 in stock
Description
'Ouma Smuts: The First Lady of South Africa' by Tom Macdonald is an affectionate biography of Sybella Margaretha “Isie” Smuts (1870–1954), wife of South African statesman Jan Christiaan Smuts. Although she occupied a prominent position in public life, she preferred the quieter world of her family home and farm near Pretoria, where she was known for her love of children, literature, the arts and the natural surroundings. Macdonald explores her character, upbringing, marriage and family life, as well as her growing involvement in public affairs through her work with the United Party’s women. Her contribution became especially significant during the Second World War, when she established the Gifts and Comforts Fund in 1940 to raise money and provide practical support for South African servicemen. This work brought her widespread recognition and the affectionate name “Ouma Smuts”, reflecting the maternal image she came to represent to many people. Illustrated with photographs, the book offers a personal portrait of a woman whose influence extended beyond her role as the prime minister’s wife into the charitable and social life of wartime South Africa. First published by Hurst & Blackett in London in 1946, this 127-page biography is also of interest to readers collecting South African history and Africana.
Condition
Fair condition, slight wear to cover.
Filed under: (Auto-)biographies