The Sword and the Pen: Six decades on the political frontier

by Allister Sparks

Allister Sparks joined his first newspaper at age 17 and was pitched headlong into the vortex of South Africa's stormy politi. His autobiography, The Sword and the Six decades on the political frontier, is the story of how as a journalist he watched and chronicled and participated in his country's unfolding drama for over half a century, covering events from the premiership of DF Malan to the presidency of Jacob Zuma, and witnessing at close range the rise and fall of apartheid and the rise and crisis of the new South Africa. In trenchant prose, Sparks has written a remarkable account of both a life lived to its fullest capacity as well as the surrounding narrative of South Africa from the birth of apartheid, the rise of political opposition, the dawn of democracy, right through to the crisis being experienced today. 'Anyone who tries to understand what is happening in South Africa today without first digesting Allister Sparks' lucid, sensitive and comprehensive exploration of the country's multi-faceted mind, does so at his own peril.' - André Brink, on The Mind of South Africa 'His special strength is a writing talent which combines precise reportage with shrewd analysis and unusual stamina …' - The Observer, on Tomorrow is Another Country

706 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2016

About the author

Allister Haddon Sparks was a South African writer, journalist and political commentator. He was the editor of The Rand Daily Mail when it broke Muldergate, the story of how the apartheid government secretly funded information projects.

Sparks later wrote a number of critically-acclaimed books on South Africa's transition from apartheid, including Tomorrow is Another Country (1996), The Mind of South Africa (1991) and more recently Beyond the Miracle: Inside the New South Africa (University of Chicago Press 2006). Sparks founded the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in South Africa and was its executive director from 1992 to 1997.

Reviews

[Craig Strydom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and insightful. A journalist with a huge amount of integrity, and main player in the fight against apartheid at a time when the press was bombarded daily by the ruling party. I highly recommend this book.

[Gerald Du preez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars says it all. A must read for South Africans and anyone else who seeks to gain a glimpse of the South African narrative through the eyes of one of its brave, influential and loyal patriots.

[Dingaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautifully written book on his life in south Africa.

[Allan Youens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent writing. I learned so much about the bad old apartheid days that I lived through but was only half-aware of.

[Jan Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly interesting book, telling the story of South Africa as witnesses by one of its finest journalists.

Blending in personal experience makes it so much more real.

I strongly recommend it to all interested in a balanced view of SA history.

[Daniel Mouton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, giving an account of a full life, and an overview of the tumultuous six decades of South African history Sparks reported on. A must read.

[Ryan Wulfsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be read by everyone with any interest in South African politics and history. Immediately!

[Claire McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing man.