The Randlords: South Africa's Robber Barons and the Mines That Forged a Nation

by Wheatcroft Geoffrey

A riveting tale of how an ambitious, eccentric crew of adventurers, magnates, and financiers invaded South Africa at the end of the last century, mined vast fortunes in gold and diamonds, and in the process laid the economic, social, and political foundations - including the apartheid system - that continue to shake this great and complex land. Fueled by colorful detail, anecdote, and the fire of these larger-than-life personalities, The Randlords is the impassioned tale of how the greed and vision of a handful of European entrepreneurs inexorably influenced the turbulence and tragedy that South Africa faces today. Geoffrey Wheatcroft has reported on South Africa for The New York Times, Harper's, and The New Republic. He lives in London.

Paperback

Published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat dated (it was written before the end of apartheid), but hugely informative and excellently written, this is an essential resource to understanding South Africa.