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The Van Riebeeck Society was founded in 1918 with the purpose of making primary sources available in a readable and enjoyable form to anyone interested in Southern African history. Since then a volume has been published every year, with very rare exceptions. The Society depends for its survival on its members, whose fees finance the publications; and its editors, who have selected and edited the volumes. Society publications have achieved a high academic standard and out-of-print volumes have become valuable Africana.


   

Our latest publication is the following:

The South African Letters of Thomas Pringle

Edited and introduced by Randolph Vigne

ISBN: 978–0–9814264–2–6

 

Click here to read the Additional Letters

Soundtrack of interview with Randolph Vigne

 

South African Letters of Thomas Pringle. Edited and introduced by Randolph Vigne

Thomas Pringle (1789–1834) is remembered as ‘the father of English poetry’ in this country, as leader of the only Scottish settler party in 1820 and as a champion of the freedom of the press. He worked for the relief of the hard-pressed settlers, the emancipation of the Khoisan and protection of the Xhosa on the frontier from retaliatory commando raids. In Cape Town he ran the South African Public Library, edited, with his friend John Fairbairn, the Cape’s first independent newspaper and the bi-monthly South African Journal, and established a successful ‘classical and commercial academy’ until all were brought down by the hostility of the Governor, Lord Charles Somerset. He fought back but, financially ruined, returned to Britain. His papers, sent to Cape Town by his widow Margaret, were lost but surviving letters in other collections here bring to life the character, outlook and South African career of a notable figure in our history. Randolph Vigne has edited this volume most ably. Read about his new interpretation of Pringle's role as settler, press freedom fighter and abolitionist.

2011 AGM and Launches

Read all about these on our Activities page - also about how we had FOUR launches of Thomas Pringle this year!

Great news! 

We're now on Facebook!  Click on  to add your views and comments on this innovation

Extra-special offer for members only – rock-bottom prices!

In order to clear some space in our store room, we have decided to make a special offer to members only: you may order any of the back volumes on the list at a price of R50 post free (within South Africa) – as many copies as you like and as long as stocks last! Contact Cora Ovens to place your orders at vanriebk@mweb.co.za or 021 423 8424 (Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays 9.30 to 13.30 or leave a message when no one is in the office).

Gift Tokens

Hot off the press! Now you can buy a gift membership or gift VRS volume for a friend or family member on the occasion of a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or just as an unbirthday present! Contact our office for details. Remember that a gift subscription for a child or grandchild could be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with books!

Book Fair

Unfortunately there was no Book Fair this year. The organisers have decided to hold one every second year only. However, we'll be there in 2012! Read about our 2010 activities at the Book Fair last year on our Activities page

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