South Africa in world history /

This is a useful survey of South African history and that nation's place in the wider world. A respected authority on Africa and women's history (i.e., Threads of Solidarity CH, Dec'92, 30-2223), Berger's latest offering features clarity, concision, and factual accuracy. There is balanced coverage of most eras of the country's past, though half the text is devoted to the 20th century. The author emphasizes racial and ethnic diversity as positive attributes shaping South Africa's crucial role in African development. Berger (SUNY Albany) further highlights its representative status as a former European colony comparable to other countries, particularly the US. Her frequent analysis of gender issues is a notable strength often missing from many historical surveys. The book is perhaps too concise, since many fascinating topics and incidents receive only brief treatment. Political and economic history receive more space than cultural matters, though these are not neglected. Length limits are probably required for the uniform "New Oxford World History" series, but based on this title, the series as a whole will be valuable. Summing Up: Recommended. High school students and above; university and larger public libraries. T. P. Johnson University of Massachusetts