Die Kleur-Krisis en die Weste Author: Ben J. Marais (Barend Jacobus Marais)
Die Kleur-Krisis en die Weste (Scarce Antiquarian First Edition Copy)
A Monumental and Controversial Theological Critique of Modern Racial Segregation
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Die Kleur-Krisis en die Weste
- Author: Ben J. Marais (Barend Jacobus Marais)
- Publisher: Die Christen-Studenteverenigingmaatskappy van Suid-Afrika (CSV), Stellensbosch
- Publication Date: 1952
- ISBN: None Issued (Pre-ISBN era)
- Edition Details: First Edition. A historic, scarce theological volume that marked a critical early internal dissent against institutional apartheid.
- Binding: Original publisher’s library-grade linen cloth hardboards (As Issued without dust jacket).
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 328 pages.
- Language: Afrikaans
Official Condition Report
- The Book: Good Plus (G+)
- Exterior / Boards: The original cloth boards display typical age-related surface wear, mild corner rounding, and light shelf discoloration to the linen face. The spine remains firm and intact.
- Interior: The structural text block remains completely reliable, clean, and tight. Paper exhibits uniform light vintage amber toning but contains no interior highlighting, missing pages, or dealer pencil entries.
- The Dust Jacket: Not Applicable (As Issued / Lacking).
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in 1952, Die Kleur-Krisis en die Weste represents one of the most critical theological flashpoints in mid-century South African history. Written by DRC theologian Ben J. Marais immediately following his global research tour, this text bravely argued that there was no valid scriptural or biblical justification for racial segregation or the policy of Apartheid. Coming from within the inner academic circles of the Dutch Reformed Church, this publication caused massive controversy, triggering intense national debate and positioning Marais as an early pioneer of religious anti-apartheid dissent.
Author Profile: Ben J. Marais
Professor Barend Jacobus (Ben) Marais (1909–1999) was an eminent South African theologian, church historian, and academic at the University of Pretoria. Revered for his independent mind and ethical courage, Marais was one of the very few early Afrikaans church leaders who risked his academic standing to speak out against racial discrimination, later co-authoring the historic Vertraagde Aksie (Delayed Action) declaration in 1960.
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