Land of Our Forefathers: Jan Paerl: A Khoikhoi Prophet in Cape Colonial Society, 1761–1851 – Russi Viljoen
Land of Our Forefathers: Jan Paerl: A Khoikhoi Prophet in Cape Colonial Society, 1761–1851 – Russi Viljoen
Land of Our Forefathers: Jan Paerl: A Khoikhoi Prophet in Cape Colonial Society (Important Indigenous History Study)
A Definitive Academic Account of Millenarian Resistance and Frontier Prophecy
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Land of Our Forefathers: Jan Paerl: A Khoikhoi Prophet in Cape Colonial Society, 1761–1851
- Author: Russi Viljoen (Russell Viljoen)
- Publisher: Witwatersrand University Press (WUP), Johannesburg
- Publication Date: 2013 (First Edition)
- ISBN-13: 9781868146079
- Edition Details: First Edition, Standard Academic Release.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium illustrated heavy-gauge card wrappers (Paperback).
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 216 pages. Enhanced with reproduction archival colonial maps, early court transcript facsimiles, and trial summaries.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
- The Book: Very Good (VG) / Wraps Good (G)
- Exterior / Wraps: The softcover card wraps show authentic handling wear, edge rubbing, and light surface creasing consistent with academic study. The spine remains firm and unbroken.
- Interior: Beautifully preserved inside. The internal text block is clean, crisp, and bright white, entirely free of highlighting, marginal notes, dog-ears, or library ink stamps.
- The Dust Jacket: Not Applicable (As Issued)
Synopsis & Historical Value
Russi Viljoen’s Land of Our Forefathers is a groundbreaking academic work focused on the life of Jan Paerl, a Khoikhoi prophet who led a millenarian anti-colonial rebellion in the Cape Colony in 1816. Viljoen draws from extensive archival records to trace how Paerl blended indigenous beliefs with Christian millenarianism to challenge British colonial authority. The book offers a vital look at early indigenous resistance, labour dynamics, and spiritual movements on the Cape frontier.
Author Profile: Russi Viljoen
Dr Russell Viljoen is a prominent South African historian, professor, and researcher specializing in Khoisan social history, early Cape colonial dynamics, and subaltern resistance movements.
