South African dispatches

Library Journal

Written by the now famous author of Biko , these newspaper columns from 1975 to 1977 were compiled for publication in 1977. The ``banning'' of Woods by the South African Government and his escape to Europe forced a delay in their publication. Today they tell us little that is new, but his messages and stories are written so well that they deserve to be read by anyone interested in South Africa. Some of the columns remind one of Art Buchwald in their caustic wit and satire. Others are delightful character studies. As time progresses they become both bitter and admonishingPaton's foreword compares them to the prophet Amos, Socrates, and John S. Mill. Yet a delightful wit comes through the bitternessuntil Biko's death. Suitable for all academic and some community libraries.John J. Grotpeter, Political Science Dept., St. Louis Coll. of Pharmacy