Frik The Autobiography of a Legend - Frik du Preez and Chris Schoeman
Frik: The Autobiography of a Legend
The Inside Story of South Africa’s Player of the Century and the Hero of Loftus Versfeld
The Inside Story of South Africa’s Player of the Century and the Hero of Loftus Versfeld
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Frik: The Autobiography of a Legend
- Author: Frik du Preez and Chris Schoeman
- Publisher: Don Nelson Publishers, Cape Town
- Publication Date: 2004
- ISBN-13: 9781868062171
- Edition Details: First Edition, Standard Large Softcover Release.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium illustrated heavy-gauge card wrappers with a high-gloss picture cover layout.
- Physical Format: Large Octavo (8vo), 255 pages. Complemented by 25 chapters, a custom postscript, detailed historical annexures mapping Northern Transvaal and international rugby statistics (1958–1971), and extensive archives of black-and-white historic match photography with captions.
- Language: English [1]
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Used - Very Good (VG)
- Exterior / Wraps: The large-format illustrated picture wrappers are in beautiful condition, presenting flat, vibrant, and clean face panels. Displays only very, very slight, microscopic signs of edge wear from superficial shelf-sheltering. The spine remains entirely flawless, perfectly straight, uncreased, and completely unbroken. This book has clearly been well-maintained and looked after thus far.
- Interior: The text block is robustly bound, tight, and immaculate. The 255 pages are clean, bright, and completely intact. Free of any traditional user underlying, library stamps, dog-eared corners, or dealer pencil markings. [1]
- The Dust Jacket: Not Applicable (As Issued)
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in 2004, Frik: The Autobiography of a Legend is the definitive, uncompromised account of one of South Africa’s greatest sporting legends and the ultimate hero of Loftus Versfeld: Frik du Preez. Famously chosen in 2000 as South Africa’s Player of the Century, du Preez was an unparalleled forward whose explosive athleticism redefined rugby, earning him a spot as the first South African (alongside Danie Gerber) to be inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.
Co-authored by noted sports historian Chris Schoeman, this fast-paced memoir chronicles Frik's journey from his childhood days growing up in the Bushveld to his twelve legendary seasons wearing the Green and Gold. Writing with remarkable candour and humour, du Preez takes readers behind the scenes of his most iconic moments—including the legendary Currie Cup match where he famously dropped, placed, and scored. Crucially, the text delves into the controversial politics of the era, detailing how he was blacklisted by certain South African rugby bosses. Complete with a foreword by legendary All Black Colin Meads, this used collectible book stands as a vital piece of rugby folklore and an essential collectible copy for sports history purists. [1, 2]
Author Profile: Frik du Preez & Chris Schoeman
Frik du Preez is widely revered as South Africa's most versatile and iconic rugby lock-forward of the 20th century. Renowned for his extraordinary speed, legendary lineout precision, and pinpoint place-kicking, he represented Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) and the Springboks across an illustrious international career spanning 1960 to 1971. His unmatched on-field exploits cemented him as a timeless national hero, transcending generations of sports fans.
Chris Schoeman is a highly distinguished South African historian, journalist, and author. Holding Master's degrees in history from the University of Port Elizabeth and Colorado State University, Schoeman has authored and co-authored numerous acclaimed sports and historical volumes, including Legends of the Ball. His meticulous research skills and engaging literary style elevate this sports biography into an invaluable primary historical record. [1]
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