Vyf Dae: Oorlogskrisis van 1939 — 'n Spanningsverhaal uit SA se Geskiedenis (Afrikaans Edition) Author: At van Wyk
Vyf Dae: Oorlogskrisis van 1939 — 'n Spanningsverhaal uit SA se Geskiedenis
The High-Stakes, Five-Day Political Crisis That Altered the Destiny of South Africa in World War II
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Vyf Dae: Oorlogskrisis van 1939 — 'n Spanningsverhaal uit SA se Geskiedenis (Afrikaans Edition)
- Author: At van Wyk
- Publisher: Tafelberg Uitgewers, Cape Town
- Publication Date: 1985 (First Edition)
- ISBN-10: 0624021955
- ISBN-13: 9780624021957
- Edition Details: First Edition.
- Binding: Original publisher's full-cloth hardcover boards with matching pictorial paper dust jacket.
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 134 pages. Fully indexed and structured as a chronological, day-by-day narrative countdown from September 1 to September 5, 1939.
- Language: Afrikaans text.
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Very Good Plus (VG+)
- Exterior / Boards: The original publisher's cloth boards are remarkably flat, square, and structurally rigid. Corners are sharp with no visible bumping or crushing. The surface is exceptionally clean with excellent spine text retention.
- Interior: The 134-page text block is robust, tight, and firmly attached to the inner hinges. Internal pages are crisp, clean, and beautifully preserved with no user highlighting, ink annotations, dog-ears, or institutional library markings. Text block edges are clean and free of heavy foxing.
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The Dust Jacket: Very Good Plus (VG+)
- Condition details: The original pictorial paper dust jacket remains crisp and visually striking, showing only microscopic surface storage rubbing and minuscule edge wear along the top extremities. Free of large open tears or noticeable panel discoloration.
- Preservation: The dust jacket has now been professionally fitted with a brand-new archival-grade, clear plastic protective cover to stabilize edge wear and safeguard it against future handling friction.
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in 1985 by Tafelberg, Vyf Dae is a gripping, highly dramatic historical narrative written by acclaimed historian At van Wyk. Written with the pacing of a suspense novel, the text reconstructs the intense five-day political crucible between September 1 and September 5, 1939, that completely altered the trajectory of South Africa's modern history.
Van Wyk traces the fierce constitutional and personal clash within the Fusion Government between Prime Minister J.B.M. Hertzog, who demanded absolute neutrality in the European conflict, and his Deputy Premier, General J.C. Smuts, who insisted on entering World War II alongside Great Britain. Moving day by day through secret caucus meetings, backroom deals, and the dramatic, razor-thin parliamentary vote that split the nation and forced Hertzog's resignation, this work provides a monumental primary study of political power. It remains a scarce, highly sought-after collectible copy for enthusiasts of military history, the Smuts era, and classic Africana political history.
Author Profile: At van Wyk
Dr. At van Wyk is a highly distinguished South African historian, academic, and author known for his masterful ability to transform rigorous archival data into gripping biographical and historical prose. After serving in prominent academic and historical research institutions, he published several benchmark studies focused on the key political actors and crises of the mid-20th century. His works, including his highly praised biographical profiles of Dirk Mudge and his historical analyses of wartime South Africa, are widely regarded by academics for their deep political neutrality, meticulous reliance on private journal entries, and sharp psychological depth.
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