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Jan Smuts - Unafraid of Greatness
Jan Christian Smuts was soldier, statesman and intellectual, one of South Africa's greatest leaders. Yet little is said about him today even as we appear to live in a leadership vacuum. Unafraid of Greatness is a re-examination of the life and thought of Jan Smuts. It is intended to remind a contemporary readership of the remarkable achievements of this impressive soldier-statesman. The author argues that there is a need to bring Smuts back into the present, that Smuts' legacy still has much to instruct. He draws several parallels between Smuts and President Thabo Mbeki, both intellectuals much lionised abroad and yet often distrusted at home. This book is a highly readable account of Smuts' life. It also examines a number of overarching themes: his relationships with women, spiritual life, intellectual life and his role as advisor to world leaders. Politics and international affairs receive the lion's share, but Smuts' unique contributions to other fields - for example, botany - are not neglected. Unafraid of Greatness does not shy away from the contradictions of its subject. Smuts was one of the architects of the United Nations, and a great champion of human rights, yet he could not see the need to reform the condition of the African majority in his own country.
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
80 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Richard Steyn
13 books16 followersA graduate of Stellenbosch University, Richard Steyn practised as a lawyer before switching to journalism. He edited the Natal Witness in Pietermaritzburg from 1975-90, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1985/86, and editor in chief of The Star from 1990-95.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 30, 2023
My reason for reading this book was to understand and gather why this man is still celebrated at a time when many others of his era are being cancelled (e.g., Rhodes Must Fall) and I can safely say that Richard has helped me understand why.
This book has also helped in enlightening me on the relations between Afrikaner & English South Africans, history of some of South Africa's prominent wars and that of the omnipresent World Wars.
My only criticism of this book is that the author seems to only paint a rosy picture of Jan Smuts. I think he would have presented a fuller picture had he provided some objective criticism of this man who is heralded as "The Great South African Statesman".
Otherwise it is an exceptional and compelling read with good storytelling. I just wish that more figures of our history could be researched and re-introduced to us in such great depth.
This book has also helped in enlightening me on the relations between Afrikaner & English South Africans, history of some of South Africa's prominent wars and that of the omnipresent World Wars.
My only criticism of this book is that the author seems to only paint a rosy picture of Jan Smuts. I think he would have presented a fuller picture had he provided some objective criticism of this man who is heralded as "The Great South African Statesman".
Otherwise it is an exceptional and compelling read with good storytelling. I just wish that more figures of our history could be researched and re-introduced to us in such great depth.
September 3, 2016
This biography is very well-written and most engrossing. I had always been interested in this genius, intellectual, philosopher and visionary statesman who took leading roles in the Anglo Boer War and both World Wars and then mellowed his view (some say switched his allegiance) after the Treaty of Vereeniging. In my childhood my father had made his admiration for Jan Smuts very clear and when I learned that JC's grandchildren (the progeny of Dr Louis McIldowie) were even in my Sunday School class, I was in awe! JCS regularly walked up Table Mountain, developed his theory of holism, came up with the idea of the League of Nations (forerunner to the UN) and was lionised in Europe, particularly by Churchill. On visiting Doornkloof a few years ago I became intrigued with the shadowy Ouma Smuts and was a little disappointed that Steyn did not make more of Isie's role in his greatness, or how he developed his ideas on holism - avant-garde then, but so relevant in our environmentally conscious era. I liked Steyn's two-part division: first the historical account, followed by commentary and analysis by theme. Especially if one has read 'Commando' one can relate to the bitterness of those brave Afrikaners towards Britain after suffering such depredations and loss. Most interesting was that whereas Smuts, the SAP and later the UP all believed in ensuring human rights for South African blacks, he did not include their right to vote as part of that package. He deferred dealing with 'The Native Question' in favour of first trying to unite Boer and Brit in SA within The Commonwealth.
January 11, 2017
So interesting how Smuts could have been so revered internationally, while fighting divisions at home. I found the book well written, easy to read and certainly helped me build a much deeper understanding of some of the shaping forces in South Africa's history.
May 1, 2022
An outstanding biography on one of South Africa’s greatest men.
Jan Smuts was a name I heard my father mention often while I was growing up. He spoke with reverence when mentioning his name. However, being a typical child wrapped up in my own world, I didn’t pay much attention to the stories. It was only after I read a book called “Speak Swahili Dammit” by James Penhaligon, which described WW1 in East Africa, that my father’s war history started to make sense. My father, although very anti-British because of the Boer War, believed in Smuts and followed him first to Southwest Africa (Namibia) and then to East Africa to drive out or capture the Germans occupying these two territories.
This biography/history/reference book written by Richard Steyn is exceptionally well-written and amazingly easy for anyone to read. I loved how we followed this great man from early childhood, then university, to becoming a Boer leader and then having the foresight to see the future of the world, establishing both the League of Nations and The United Nations.
However, to me, Smuts wasn’t just a great scholar, far-sighted, a great strategist, but one of the most forgiving men to lead South Africa. Here was a man who led his Boer comrades through raids, and battles fighting the British army who had arrived in their thousands to overthrow the Boers. I often wonder if the British won once they started using their scorched earth tactics and concentration camps for Boer women and children. Smuts was farsighted enough and generous in spirit to not only forgive the English but offer soldiers from South Africa to help rid the world of German victories in both the first and second World Wars. I don’t think there was another man who could have talked his country into forgiveness or picked up arms to help their sworn enemy except for Jan Smuts.
I also wonder if any other man could have tolerated the abuse that he received by standing up to the Boers who thought he’d sold out his beliefs and country by fighting for the British. We can all look at it now as these Boers being inward-looking or bitter losers with long memories from the Boer War, but Smuts had enough strength to withstand the hatred, and constant pressure from men like Malan, Vorster and Leibrandt to stick to his reasoning that the Germans needed to be stopped in both wars.
It would be remiss of me not to mention his extraordinary wife, Isie, who saw Jan Smuts’ brilliance and allowed him to disappear for months at a time while she kept the home and family life together. She also did amazing work for all the troops. Richard Steyn, through his outstanding writing, has ensured that we got to know her as well. I’m so grateful for this. In other books on Smuts, she and the children are overlooked.
I wonder what star shone when three of the world’s most famous men were born within years of each other. Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jan Christian Smuts. Jan Smuts was born in South Africa but both Gandhi and Churchill crossed paths with him during the Boer War. This fact never fails to astound me. And, while Smuts was leading the country the next most famous South African was born, Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, he would have been an unknown child and later a young lawyer during Jan Smuts’ lifetime. Two of the greatest statesmen of the world came from humble beginnings in this country of South Africa, where contrasts not only exist in politics but in nature as well.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
Jan Smuts was a name I heard my father mention often while I was growing up. He spoke with reverence when mentioning his name. However, being a typical child wrapped up in my own world, I didn’t pay much attention to the stories. It was only after I read a book called “Speak Swahili Dammit” by James Penhaligon, which described WW1 in East Africa, that my father’s war history started to make sense. My father, although very anti-British because of the Boer War, believed in Smuts and followed him first to Southwest Africa (Namibia) and then to East Africa to drive out or capture the Germans occupying these two territories.
This biography/history/reference book written by Richard Steyn is exceptionally well-written and amazingly easy for anyone to read. I loved how we followed this great man from early childhood, then university, to becoming a Boer leader and then having the foresight to see the future of the world, establishing both the League of Nations and The United Nations.
However, to me, Smuts wasn’t just a great scholar, far-sighted, a great strategist, but one of the most forgiving men to lead South Africa. Here was a man who led his Boer comrades through raids, and battles fighting the British army who had arrived in their thousands to overthrow the Boers. I often wonder if the British won once they started using their scorched earth tactics and concentration camps for Boer women and children. Smuts was farsighted enough and generous in spirit to not only forgive the English but offer soldiers from South Africa to help rid the world of German victories in both the first and second World Wars. I don’t think there was another man who could have talked his country into forgiveness or picked up arms to help their sworn enemy except for Jan Smuts.
I also wonder if any other man could have tolerated the abuse that he received by standing up to the Boers who thought he’d sold out his beliefs and country by fighting for the British. We can all look at it now as these Boers being inward-looking or bitter losers with long memories from the Boer War, but Smuts had enough strength to withstand the hatred, and constant pressure from men like Malan, Vorster and Leibrandt to stick to his reasoning that the Germans needed to be stopped in both wars.
It would be remiss of me not to mention his extraordinary wife, Isie, who saw Jan Smuts’ brilliance and allowed him to disappear for months at a time while she kept the home and family life together. She also did amazing work for all the troops. Richard Steyn, through his outstanding writing, has ensured that we got to know her as well. I’m so grateful for this. In other books on Smuts, she and the children are overlooked.
I wonder what star shone when three of the world’s most famous men were born within years of each other. Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jan Christian Smuts. Jan Smuts was born in South Africa but both Gandhi and Churchill crossed paths with him during the Boer War. This fact never fails to astound me. And, while Smuts was leading the country the next most famous South African was born, Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, he would have been an unknown child and later a young lawyer during Jan Smuts’ lifetime. Two of the greatest statesmen of the world came from humble beginnings in this country of South Africa, where contrasts not only exist in politics but in nature as well.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
November 6, 2024
Interesting life and good to know some history pre-apartheid as a South African. I would recommend this to be read by any South African, cause it also shows how much of a vacuum of leadership we have today.
May 9, 2019
Fairly interesting, if sometimes rather starry-eyed, survey of a fascinating figure in South African history.
September 24, 2025
This a fascinating and accessible portrait of one of the most complex figures of the 20th century. Smuts was a soldier, statesman, philosopher, and thinker who played a role on the world stage far beyond what you’d expect from a South African politician. Steyn does a great job of showing both Smuts’ achievements: his involvement in shaping the League of Nations and later the United Nations, his philosophy of holism, and his influence on global politics, as well as his contradictions, particularly in relation to race and South Africa’s policies.
What makes the book compelling is that it doesn’t just celebrate Smuts; it wrestles with the paradox of a man who could think in such visionary, universal terms while remaining limited in others. Steyn’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex political and philosophical material readable without losing depth.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful biography that gives a balanced view of Smuts as both inspiring and flawed — someone who truly was “unafraid of greatness,” but who also embodied the challenges and blind spots of his time.
What makes the book compelling is that it doesn’t just celebrate Smuts; it wrestles with the paradox of a man who could think in such visionary, universal terms while remaining limited in others. Steyn’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex political and philosophical material readable without losing depth.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful biography that gives a balanced view of Smuts as both inspiring and flawed — someone who truly was “unafraid of greatness,” but who also embodied the challenges and blind spots of his time.
October 22, 2025
Jan Smuts was a great man, respected in many countries and fields. We haven't had so many that we can neglect him. Perhaps he was one of only 2 globally significant figures to come out of SA.
This is a book of two halves. The first describes his long political career, which is interesting in itself but also for being a political history of SA from 1890 - 1950. We are reminded that in 1949, at the dedication of the Voortrekker Monument, Smuts spoke as the last surviving Boer War general and as the only active politician who had served in Paul Kruger's administration! In the course of telling this story the book contextualises many snippets that were previously unanchored (for me, anyway).
Part 2 takes an thematic approach to provide background of the man behind the politician.
A really good read, treating this important subject with the insight and balance it deserves.
Note: At page 176 the reader comes across a sensible qualification to all the praise, noting that Smuts wasn't perfect; he didn't do enough to reduce racial discrimination but kicked that can down the road. This is later (chapter 24) expanded upon. Of course Smuts's was a man of his time (cf the roles in his family). But even if he knew the right thing to do, he was also a politician and had to deal with the art of the possible, including winning elections. Surely it is inconceivable that the electorate would have voted for any form of power sharing, or that the Union could have been established on a non-racial basis? At most one can envisage a somewhat longer retention of the pre-existing qualified franchise, and perhaps kicking the can down the road for another Parliament (because losing in 1948 was an unforced error). And then?
BTW, die titel van die Afrikaanse uitgawe is baie slim en gepas!
This is a book of two halves. The first describes his long political career, which is interesting in itself but also for being a political history of SA from 1890 - 1950. We are reminded that in 1949, at the dedication of the Voortrekker Monument, Smuts spoke as the last surviving Boer War general and as the only active politician who had served in Paul Kruger's administration! In the course of telling this story the book contextualises many snippets that were previously unanchored (for me, anyway).
Part 2 takes an thematic approach to provide background of the man behind the politician.
A really good read, treating this important subject with the insight and balance it deserves.
Note: At page 176 the reader comes across a sensible qualification to all the praise, noting that Smuts wasn't perfect; he didn't do enough to reduce racial discrimination but kicked that can down the road. This is later (chapter 24) expanded upon. Of course Smuts's was a man of his time (cf the roles in his family). But even if he knew the right thing to do, he was also a politician and had to deal with the art of the possible, including winning elections. Surely it is inconceivable that the electorate would have voted for any form of power sharing, or that the Union could have been established on a non-racial basis? At most one can envisage a somewhat longer retention of the pre-existing qualified franchise, and perhaps kicking the can down the road for another Parliament (because losing in 1948 was an unforced error). And then?
BTW, die titel van die Afrikaanse uitgawe is baie slim en gepas!
January 3, 2018
A well researched and written biography of South Africa's only international statesman, and one of the most enigmatic characters in our history.
Having read on the man before, a lot of it was revision. So the main points - that Smuts was a polymath, a trusted adviser to Churchill, and a plain-living man - were ones I already knew. Steyn's work reflects all these points but adds a lot of important detail and perspective to the story.
Two points of interest about the man:
Firstly, he was a man whose counsel was trusted. This begins to show when, as an apprentice to the equally complex Paul Kruger, president of the ZAR, and Francis Reitz, Smuts became one of the most trusted voices in government, despite his youth. We would see this again as he partnered Louis Botha in trying to 'nation-build' (to use catchy modern jargon) and create a country out of four colonies with a deep mistrust of each other. We would see this again in both World Wars as he managed to rally old commandos to fight in the Great War ("Do we attack the English or the Germans?"), and again when Churchill trusted him above all others, even asking him to stand in as PM when Churchill needed to be away.
Secondly, the difficulty that Smuts' vision caused to himself. Despite his natural organisational ability, he was weighed down by the situation in his parliament. In this matter I sympathised with a man thinking several generations ahead of himself and lacking anybody with a like mind on his side. The effect of this being that he had to fill several cabinet posts at once. Furthermore, to contend the banality of petty politics weighed the man down to near breaking point.
A beautiful biography of one of the greatest men in history.
Having read on the man before, a lot of it was revision. So the main points - that Smuts was a polymath, a trusted adviser to Churchill, and a plain-living man - were ones I already knew. Steyn's work reflects all these points but adds a lot of important detail and perspective to the story.
Two points of interest about the man:
Firstly, he was a man whose counsel was trusted. This begins to show when, as an apprentice to the equally complex Paul Kruger, president of the ZAR, and Francis Reitz, Smuts became one of the most trusted voices in government, despite his youth. We would see this again as he partnered Louis Botha in trying to 'nation-build' (to use catchy modern jargon) and create a country out of four colonies with a deep mistrust of each other. We would see this again in both World Wars as he managed to rally old commandos to fight in the Great War ("Do we attack the English or the Germans?"), and again when Churchill trusted him above all others, even asking him to stand in as PM when Churchill needed to be away.
Secondly, the difficulty that Smuts' vision caused to himself. Despite his natural organisational ability, he was weighed down by the situation in his parliament. In this matter I sympathised with a man thinking several generations ahead of himself and lacking anybody with a like mind on his side. The effect of this being that he had to fill several cabinet posts at once. Furthermore, to contend the banality of petty politics weighed the man down to near breaking point.
A beautiful biography of one of the greatest men in history.
March 24, 2021
South Africa has had a share of visionary leaders, of which Jan Smuts and Nelson Mandela are the prime examples. It is a pity that in the generation between them we had to do with navel gazers like DF Malan, Hendrik Verwoerd and PW Botha. It is an even greater pity that Smuts did not direct his laser gaze towards the elephant in the room, the racial question of the black and European peoples of Southern Africa. But it is understandable if one considers that in his lifetime he endured and had to lead through three long and bitter wars, namely the 2nd Boer War, and WW1 -and 11. From a Afrikaner perspective his greatest legacy has to be the healing between the English and Afrikaner communities after the bitter Boer War devastated the rural Afrikaners. For a Bittereinder Boer general to offer a hand of friendship to his English foe must stand next to the reluctant conciliation between Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk as the two most profound moments in the recent history of South Africa. The biography describes how his prowess as a student at Cambridge University prepared him for his eventual role as part of the British war effort in WW1, and his leadership during the establishment of the League of Nations, forerunner of the United Nations. Alas his international instinct eventually led to his defeat to the small minded populists in his own back yard. The similarities to the current local South African politics are indeed hair raising.
This a very interesting biography of a fascinating and imposing figure who deserves far more recognition and respect in the modern South Africa.
This a very interesting biography of a fascinating and imposing figure who deserves far more recognition and respect in the modern South Africa.
August 25, 2023
This is a well researched book, and gives a great deal of insight in to General Jan Smuts life. It also deals with many of his interactions with well known as well as lesser known people. Richard Steyn the author also gives us an understanding of Smuts’ family life and how difficult it was to balance this with his travels and appointments. Anyone who wants to know more about this well known man would do themselves a favour to read this book.
January 4, 2020
So this took me forever to read. Mostly because I have no background in South African history (whoops) and also because it was a wee bit dry. Biographies aren't my strong suit, but I have certainly learned a lot about an interesting and driven man. I haven't heard of political prowess and passion until I read about Jan Smuts.
This book did a great job of highlighting the strengths of Smuts as well as his shortcomings, both politically and personally.
This book would probably be best suited to individuals with a background in South African history or a distinct preparedness to google a bunch of things!
This book did a great job of highlighting the strengths of Smuts as well as his shortcomings, both politically and personally.
This book would probably be best suited to individuals with a background in South African history or a distinct preparedness to google a bunch of things!
February 27, 2023
I have always been a great admirer of Smuts after having read his book introducing his philosophy of “Holism” in the nineties. The word is so overused these days and yet in its time was a great leap in the understanding of human consciousness. He was a very great man, a typically Renaissance figure: guerrilla fighter, consummate politician, international statesman, scientist and thinker. I also like Richard Steyn’s work very much. He has an easy style and an assured way of explaining complex events and issues. This is a book that should be read by all, and especially by we South Africans undergoing some dark times in the current difficult circumstances which exist in our country.
January 22, 2025
This book was well written and an easy read. I think personally I was hoping for something more substantial.
It's fun to contemplate how you might feel living in post-World War II South Africa. Would you see yourself with Botha, Smuts, Hofmeyr and the SAP? Or with Hertzog, Malan and the nationalists? Could either party have spared South Africa its current fate? Certainly these early leaders were aware of what could befall South Africa and in many ways their worst fears came true. Unfortunately, they all played a hand in its destruction.
It's fun to contemplate how you might feel living in post-World War II South Africa. Would you see yourself with Botha, Smuts, Hofmeyr and the SAP? Or with Hertzog, Malan and the nationalists? Could either party have spared South Africa its current fate? Certainly these early leaders were aware of what could befall South Africa and in many ways their worst fears came true. Unfortunately, they all played a hand in its destruction.
July 9, 2025
A brisk read, highlighting the main points in the life of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. This book does a great job and showing of the many different aspects of Smuts and the events he helped shape. It is a great jumping off point to get to know the man. From here you can wander to one of the many books that focuses on a particular event or relationship in the life of Smuts
January 5, 2017
I bumped into this book by accident while doing christmas book shopping for my kids. What a great summary of the life and character of Jan Smuts.
Gave a good explanation of the link with Churchill and the two world wars.
One have to wonder - if this great mind postponed a final solution for ALL the people of South Africa the it will take a special person to pull it off!
Gave a good explanation of the link with Churchill and the two world wars.
One have to wonder - if this great mind postponed a final solution for ALL the people of South Africa the it will take a special person to pull it off!
February 10, 2020
Easy to read; provides a concise summary of Jan Smuts' life. I was struck by the reality that while he was an architect of the United Nations and a champion of human rights, he could not come to terms with the need to include the African majority in the politics of his own country. Interestingly, he was the only person in both peace negotiations after the World Wars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2018
An interesting and informative read. There have been many books written on Smuts, some in great detail given the complexity of the man - Richard Steyn draws on lots of them and has produced an easy to read book that covers all parts of his life, both public and personal.
October 7, 2024
An excellent biography of a man I vaguely knew from history books but never knew much about. I learned much and now can appreciate the contributions the "Oubaas" made to our history both local and international.
September 21, 2020
An excellent biography of a monumental but nearly unknown figure from history. Not meant to be exhaustive, the book covers his life well and wets an appetite for more on Jan Smuts.
April 17, 2023
Well written about one of the most incredible people to have lived.
September 20, 2024
‘n Interessante boek oor een van Suid-Afrika se groot staatsmanne. Van ‘n Boeregeneraal wat teen die Britte geveg het tot ‘n lid van die Britse oorlogskabinet gedurende die Eerste Wêreldoorlog.
May 31, 2017
A great overview of the life of a great statesman.
August 24, 2016
Another good book on Smuts which covers the usual ground, but written in a refreshing and engaging way, with a new relevance for current issues.
A few notes: an issue now more relevant than ever before was his conservatism on 'the colour question', which was surprising considering that he effectively wrote the bill of rights for the 'League of Nations', precursor to the UN, and was a prime mover of the UN, championing international human rights. Steyn puts much of this down to his upbringing in the 1800s which remained essentially bound by the conventions of his day, and also due to the fact that Smut's own initial priority was the unification of English and Afrikaner into one strong state, before he could hope to deal with anything else. I also think Smuts was more of a pragmatist than an idealist, skilled at compromise, and always seeking the way of least resistance forward, honestly felt it was an issue a future generation would solve. On the other hand, for much of this time, while Smuts was essentially an international figure through the war years, his deputy JH Hofmeyr was effectively the liberal face of the United Party, strongly representing many of like mind, while Smuts kept the more conservatively minded folk of the party happy by not pushing the race question too far.
History shows that Hofmeyr (who was groomed to follow Smuts as UP leader) would be dead at 53 and Smuts would lose the election in 1948 which would ultimately usher Apartheid in, removing all possibility of dealing with 'the colour question' for another 45 years (in any event, Smuts was already 78, with only a couple more years left to live). I think in a real sense he was a member of the previous generation (he was the only statesman in the world, for example, old enough and yet still active enough to have attended the peace treaties after both World Wars and of course the peace treaty in 1902 after the Boer War)!
More contentiously, Steyn suggests that just as Louis Botha was more popular and gregarious, like Mandela, Smuts was more like Mbeki, the clever strategist on a wider stage, who lost his power because he was out of touch with the 'common man'. Personally I think there are stronger parallels between Smuts and Mandela in that both represented liberation movements which broke the power of oppressive governments, both became international figures because of their statesmanship, and both revealed true greatness in their willingness to forgive their oppressor and work with them to shape a common future.
On another tack altogether, in a chapter called 'The Romantic Smuts', Steyn mentions that while Smut's first and abiding love was and would always be Issie, he also continued friendships and correspondence with several other women; so much so that when Issie discovered just how many letters were involved (one alone sent over 2000, for example) she was so upset she burnt all her own letters to him: an incalculable harm to future research!
A book well worth reading!
A few notes: an issue now more relevant than ever before was his conservatism on 'the colour question', which was surprising considering that he effectively wrote the bill of rights for the 'League of Nations', precursor to the UN, and was a prime mover of the UN, championing international human rights. Steyn puts much of this down to his upbringing in the 1800s which remained essentially bound by the conventions of his day, and also due to the fact that Smut's own initial priority was the unification of English and Afrikaner into one strong state, before he could hope to deal with anything else. I also think Smuts was more of a pragmatist than an idealist, skilled at compromise, and always seeking the way of least resistance forward, honestly felt it was an issue a future generation would solve. On the other hand, for much of this time, while Smuts was essentially an international figure through the war years, his deputy JH Hofmeyr was effectively the liberal face of the United Party, strongly representing many of like mind, while Smuts kept the more conservatively minded folk of the party happy by not pushing the race question too far.
History shows that Hofmeyr (who was groomed to follow Smuts as UP leader) would be dead at 53 and Smuts would lose the election in 1948 which would ultimately usher Apartheid in, removing all possibility of dealing with 'the colour question' for another 45 years (in any event, Smuts was already 78, with only a couple more years left to live). I think in a real sense he was a member of the previous generation (he was the only statesman in the world, for example, old enough and yet still active enough to have attended the peace treaties after both World Wars and of course the peace treaty in 1902 after the Boer War)!
More contentiously, Steyn suggests that just as Louis Botha was more popular and gregarious, like Mandela, Smuts was more like Mbeki, the clever strategist on a wider stage, who lost his power because he was out of touch with the 'common man'. Personally I think there are stronger parallels between Smuts and Mandela in that both represented liberation movements which broke the power of oppressive governments, both became international figures because of their statesmanship, and both revealed true greatness in their willingness to forgive their oppressor and work with them to shape a common future.
On another tack altogether, in a chapter called 'The Romantic Smuts', Steyn mentions that while Smut's first and abiding love was and would always be Issie, he also continued friendships and correspondence with several other women; so much so that when Issie discovered just how many letters were involved (one alone sent over 2000, for example) she was so upset she burnt all her own letters to him: an incalculable harm to future research!
A book well worth reading!
March 3, 2017
good read
January 18, 2016
Goodread
Good recap, interesting parallels between Smuts and Mandela and fascinating insight into their promotion of reconciliation over and above retribution. Written more like a summary of history than a biography it is further burdened with the split into two parts: history and evaluation. To me it would seem appropriate if the author had from here gone the further step of combining these parts into a synthetic union, somewhat shorter and not quite so tedious, because so repetitive and even redundant. Still a good read and especially encouraging in showing how Smuts persevered through thick and thin, how he and Izy made it all those years and how gifted, bright and widely accomplished Smuts was. Fascinating what became of this uneducated herder of his fathers cattle and how impressive his learning capabilities were eg learning Greek Grammar in a single week or memorizing whole book chapters after a single hearing. I also appreciate the authors feel for history in that he shows Smuts to be very much a child of his time especially in his religious, political and scientific development and even as a family man, but also in his dealings with leaders, kings and queens of his time. Smuts was an aristocrat even as their time was passing, a true and excellent leader of the elite even as democracy was already replacing superior excellence with mediocre conformity. Somebody who valued unwavering service and sense of duty way beyond the popular acclaim of political correctness and favor.
Good recap, interesting parallels between Smuts and Mandela and fascinating insight into their promotion of reconciliation over and above retribution. Written more like a summary of history than a biography it is further burdened with the split into two parts: history and evaluation. To me it would seem appropriate if the author had from here gone the further step of combining these parts into a synthetic union, somewhat shorter and not quite so tedious, because so repetitive and even redundant. Still a good read and especially encouraging in showing how Smuts persevered through thick and thin, how he and Izy made it all those years and how gifted, bright and widely accomplished Smuts was. Fascinating what became of this uneducated herder of his fathers cattle and how impressive his learning capabilities were eg learning Greek Grammar in a single week or memorizing whole book chapters after a single hearing. I also appreciate the authors feel for history in that he shows Smuts to be very much a child of his time especially in his religious, political and scientific development and even as a family man, but also in his dealings with leaders, kings and queens of his time. Smuts was an aristocrat even as their time was passing, a true and excellent leader of the elite even as democracy was already replacing superior excellence with mediocre conformity. Somebody who valued unwavering service and sense of duty way beyond the popular acclaim of political correctness and favor.
February 12, 2017
A very good, light reading biography of a strange but compelling man. Smuts showed a politic pragmatism that left many of his Boer contemporaries flabbergasted. A friend of Churchill, faithful to the British commonwealth and absolutely opposed to integration he was a paradox most certainly. Einstein said of him that "he was only one of 11 men that truly understood the concept of the theory of relativity". Smuts was something of a genius, personally brave and an intriguing man. This biography is a little shallow but is very digestible. A
May 7, 2016
Thank you for this book!!! The political challenges in this book coupled to the physical determination mentioned in Deneys Reits's Comando painted a complete picture of a specific time in history and sacrifices made by strong highly intelligent people.
July 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It is well written and is a good synthesis of earlier biographies; brought up to date with Smuts reexamined by contemporary standards, especially race.
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December 11, 2018Brilliant
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