Afrikaans literature, 1948–1976

doi:10.1017/CHOL9780521199285.023

21 - Afrikaans literature, 1948–1976

from PART V - APARTHEID AND ITS AFTERMATH, 1948 TO THE PRESENT

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 January 2012

Hein Willemse

Edited by

David Attwell and

Derek Attridge

Show author details

David Attwell: Affiliation:
University of York
Derek Attridge: Affiliation:
University of York

Book contents

Get access

Summary

The period 1948–76 is arguably the most significant in Afrikaans literature, a time that coincided with greater social privileges, better education and the rapid urbanisation of white Afrikaans-speaking South Africans. The electoral triumph of Afrikaner nationalism in 1948 enhanced the place of the Afrikaans language in the civil service, the educational system and the economy. New Afrikaans publishing houses were established and sustained through favourable changes in the macro-political and economic conditions of the country, symbiotic relationships with the major Nationalist-supporting Afrikaans newspaper houses and printers, youthful entrepreneurship and, most importantly, the fostering of close relationships with the decision makers in the newly established apartheid education system for which purpose-made schoolbooks were produced (see Steyn, ‘Eerste Dekades’; ‘Nederige Begin’). It was a time of the embourgeoisement of the Afrikaner, a social change that clearly resonated in Afrikaans literature.

The cultural consequences of this political ascendancy included early attempts at stabilising and canonising Afrikaner literary culture, such as the ambitious three-volume series Kultuurgeskiedenis van die Afrikaner (Cultural History of the Afrikaner, 1948–51); a new literary history, Perspektief en Profiel (Perspective and Profile, 1951; since 1998 updated into three volumes) and a new anthology, Groot Verseboek (Great Book of Verse, 1951). The same need for stocktaking is also reflected in the comprehensive literary histories of Dekker (Afrikaanse Literatuurgeskiedenis [Afrikaans Literary History, 1935]), Antonissen (Schets van den Ontwikkelingsgang der Zuid-Afrikaansche Letterkunde [Sketch of the Development of South African Literature, 1946]) and Kannemeyer (Geskiedenis van die Afrikaanse Literatuur [History of Afrikaans Literature, 1978, 1983]).

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge History of South African Literature , pp. 429 - 451

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CHOL9780521199285.023 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Book purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Abrahams, P.Mineboy, London: Dorothy Crisp, 1946.Google Scholar

Anonymous, , ‘Redaksioneel’, Sestiger 1:3 (1964).Google Scholar

Antonissen, R.Die Afrikaanse letterkunde van aanvang tot hede, Cape Town: Nasou, 1955.Google Scholar

Antonissen, R.Schets van den Ontwikkelingsgang der Zuid-Afrikaansche Letterkunde, Diest: Pro Arte, 1946.Google Scholar

Aucamp, H.'n Bruidsbed vir Tannie Nonnie, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1970.Google Scholar

Aucamp, H.Dooierus, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1976.Google Scholar

Aucamp, H.Die hartseerwals, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1965.Google Scholar

Aucamp, H.Hongerblom, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1972.Google Scholar

Aucamp, H.House Visits, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1983.Google Scholar

Barnard, C.Duiwel-in-die-bos, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1968.Google Scholar

Barnard, C.Mahala, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1971.Google Scholar

Barnard, C.Pa, Maak vir my 'n Vlieër, Pa, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1964.Google Scholar

Beinart, W. Twentieth-Century South Africa, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, 2001.Google Scholar

Beukes, W. D. (ed.). Boekewêreld: Die Nasionale Pers in die Uitgewersbedryf tot 1990, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1992.Google Scholar

Blum, P.Enklaves van die Lig, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1958.Google Scholar

Blum, P.Steenbok tot Poolsee, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1955.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Die Huis van die Dowe, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1967.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Katastrofes, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1964.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Lotus, [Cape Town]: Buren, 1970.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Die Ongedanste Dans: Gevangenisgedigte 1975–1983, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 2005.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Skryt. Om 'n Sinkende Skip Blou te Verf, Amsterdam: Meulenhoff, 1972.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.The True Confessions of an Albino Terrorist, Johannesburg: Taurus, 1984.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Voetskrif, Cape Town: Perskor, 1976.Google Scholar

Breytenbach, B.Die Ysterkoei Moet Sweet, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1964.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Die Ambassadeur, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1963Google Scholar

Brink, A.The Ambassador, [Cape Town]: Central News Agency, 1964.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Eindelose Weë, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1960.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Die Gebondenes, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1958.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Kennis van die Aand, Cape Town: Buren, 1973Google Scholar

Brink, A.Looking on Darkness, London: W. H. Allen, 1974.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Lobola vir die Lewe, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1962.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Meul Teen die Hang, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1958.Google Scholar

Brink, A.'n Oomblik in die Wind, Johannesburg: Taurus, 1975Google Scholar

Brink, A.An Instant in the Wind, London: Allen, 1976.Google Scholar

Brink, A.Orgie, Cape Town: John Malherbe, 1965.Google Scholar

Coetzee, J. M.Life & Times of Michael K, London: Secker & Warburg, 1983.Google Scholar

Coetzee, J. M.Waiting for the Barbarians, Johannesburg: Ravan, 1980.Google Scholar

Coetzee, J. M. as The Expedition to the Baobab Tree, Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1983.Google Scholar

Coller, H. P. (ed.). Perspektief en Profiel, 3 vols., Pretoria: Van Schaik, 1998, 1999, 2005.Google Scholar

Dawes, A. as Well-without-water or the Virgin and the Vultures, Johannesburg: Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organization (Pty) Ltd, 1968.Google Scholar

Degenaar, J. J.Voortbestaan in Geregtigheid, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1980.Google Scholar

Dekker, G.Afrikaanse Literatuurgeskiedenis, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1935.Google Scholar

Doherty, Eithne as A Deafening Silence: Police Novel, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1995.Google Scholar

Domingo, E.Okkies op die Breë Pad, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1955.Google Scholar

Eglington, C. as Seven Days at the Silbersteins, Cape Town: Central News Agency, 1964.Google Scholar

Ester, H. ‘Met Elisabeth Eybers (1915–2007) is een Fenomenale Dichteres Heengegaan’, Tydskrif vir Letterkunde 45:1 (2008).Google Scholar

Eybers, E.Belydenis in die Skemering, Bloemfontein: Nasionale Pers, 1936.Google Scholar

Eybers, E.Versamelde Gedigte, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau; 3rd edn, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2004.Google Scholar

Friedmann, Marion V. as Promised Land, London: Friedmann, 1978.Google Scholar

Fula, A.Jôhannie Giet die Beeld, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1954.Google Scholar

Gerwel, G. J.Literatuur en Apartheid, Kasselsvlei: Kampen-uitgewers, 1983.Google Scholar

Giliomee, H.The Afrikaners: Biography of a People, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2003.Google Scholar

Gordon, W. as Dark Pilgrim, London: Collins, 1959.Google Scholar

Grové, H.Jaarringe, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1966.Google Scholar

Grové, H.Die Kêrel van die Pêrel of Anatomie van 'n Leuenaar, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1983.Google Scholar

Grové, H.Winterreis, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1971.Google Scholar

Haasbroek, P. J.Heupvuur, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1974.Google Scholar

Haasbroek, P. J.Roofvis, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1975.Google Scholar

Haasbroek, P. J.Skrikbewind, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1976.Google Scholar

Heerden, E.Verklaarde Nag, Cape Town: Nasionale Pers, 1946.Google Scholar

Heerden, E.Weerlose Uur, Cape Town: Nasionale Pers, 1942.Google Scholar

Heever, C. M., and Pienaar, P. de V. (eds.). Kultuurgeskiedenis van die Afrikaner – Die Eerste Beskrywing van die Boere-volkslewe in al sy Vertakkinge, 3 vols., Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1948.Google Scholar

Jensma, W.I Must Show you my Clippings, Johannesburg: Ravan, 1977.Google Scholar

Jensma, W.Sing for our Execution, Johannesburg: Ophir/Ravan, 1973.Google Scholar

Jensma, W.Where White is the Colour/Where Black is the Number, Johannesburg: Ravan, 1974.Google Scholar

Jonker, I.Rook en Oker, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1963.Google Scholar

Jonker, I.Selected Poems, trans. Cope, Jack and Plomer, W., Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1988.Google Scholar

Joubert, E.Die Reise van Isobelle, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1995.Google Scholar

Joubert, E.Reisiger, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2009.Google Scholar

Joubert, E.Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1978Google Scholar

Joubert, E.The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena, Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1980.Google Scholar

Joubert, E.Ons Wag op die Kaptein, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1963.Google Scholar

Joubert, E.'n Wonderlike Geweld: Jeugherinneringe, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2005.Google Scholar

Kannemeyer, J. C.D. J. Opperman: 'n Biografie, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1986.Google Scholar

Kannemeyer, J. C.Geskiedenis van die Afrikaanse Literatuur, 2 vols., Cape Town: Academica, 1978, 1983.Google Scholar

Kannemeyer, J. C.A History of Afrikaans Literature, Pietermaritzburg: Shuter & Shooter, 1993.Google Scholar

Kannemeyer, J. C.Jan Rabie: Prosapionier en Politieke Padwyser, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2004.Google Scholar

Kirsch, O.Mure van die Hart, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1948.Google Scholar

Kirsch, O.Die Soeklig, Pretoria: Van Schaik, 1944.Google Scholar

Klerk, W. A.Die Jaar van die Vuur-Os, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1952.Google Scholar

Klerk, W. A.Die Uur van Verlange, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1953.Google Scholar

Knox, Catherine as Isobelle's Journey, Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 2002.Google Scholar

Lasker, Carrol as The Golden Magnet, Washington DC: Three Continents Press, 1984.Google Scholar

Leroux, E. (pseud. S. P. D. le Roux). Die Derde Oog, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1966.Google Scholar

Leroux, E.Een vir Azazel, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1964.Google Scholar

Leroux, E.Magersfontein, O Magersfontein!, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1976.Google Scholar

Leroux, E.Sewe Dae by die Silbersteins, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1962.Google Scholar

Leroux, E.To a Dubious Salvation: A Trilogy of Fantastical Novels, trans. Eglington, Charles and Starke, Amy, Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1972.Google Scholar

Louw, A. M.Die Banneling: Die Lyfwag, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1964.Google Scholar

Louw, A. M.Die Groot Gryse, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1968.Google Scholar

Louw, A. M.Kroniek van Perdepoort, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1975.Google Scholar

Louw, A. M.Twenty Days that Autumn, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1964.Google Scholar

Louw, N. P.Wyk, . Germanicus, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1956.Google Scholar

Louw, N. P.Tristia, Cape Town: >Human & Rousseau, 1962.Google Scholar

Miles, J.Blaaskans, Emmerentia: Taurus, 1983.Google Scholar

Miles, J.Kroniek uit die Doofpot: Polisieroman, Bramley: Taurus, 1991.Google Scholar

Miles, J.Liefs nie op Straat nie, Cape Town: Buren, 1970.Google Scholar

Miles, J.Okker Bestel Twee Toebroodjies, Cape Town: Buren, 1973.Google Scholar

Niekerk, D.Die Son Struikel, Johannesburg: Dagbreek-Boekhandel, 1960.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Blom en Baaierd, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1956.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Engel uit die Klip: 1947–1950, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1950.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Groot Verseboek: 'n Bloemlesing uit die Afrikaanse Poësie, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1951.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Heilige Beeste, Cape Town: Nasionale Pers, 1945.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Joernal van Jorik, Cape Town: Nasionale Pers, 1949.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Junior Verseboek: 'n Bloemlesing uit die Afrikaanse Poësie vir die Middelbare Skool, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1951.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Klein Verseboek, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1959.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Kleuterverseboek, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1957.Google Scholar

Opperman, D. J.Senior Verseboek: 'n Bloemlesing uit die Afrikaanse Poësie vir die Hoërskool, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1951.Google Scholar

Paton, A.Cry, the Beloved Country: A Story of Comfort and Desolation, Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1948.Google Scholar

Petersen, S. V.As die Son Ondergaan, Port Elizabeth: Unie-Volkspers, 1945.Google Scholar

Petersen, S. V.Die Enkeling, Port Elizabeth: Unie-Volkspers, 1944.Google Scholar

Philander, P. J.Rebunie, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 2000.Google Scholar

Philander, P. J.Uurglas, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1955.Google Scholar

Philander, P. J.Vuurklip, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1960.Google Scholar

Philander, P. J.Zimbabwe, Cape Town: Nasionale Boekhandel, 1968.Google Scholar

Pretorius, S. J.Die Arbeider en ander Gedigte, Pretoria: Van Schaik, 1945.Google Scholar

Pretorius, S. J.Vonke, Pretoria: Van Schaik, 1943.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.21, Cape Town: Balkema, 1956.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Ark, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1977.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Eiland voor Afrika, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1964.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Die Groot Anders-Maak, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1964.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.A Man Apart, London: Collins, 1969.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Mens-Alleen, [Johannesburg]: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1963.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Ons, die Afgod, Cape Town: Balkema, 1958.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.En Oseaan, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1985.Google Scholar

Rabie, J.Waar Jý Sterwe, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1966.Google Scholar

Roets, N. as Magersfontein, O Magersfontein!, Wynberg: Hutchinson Group, 1983.Google Scholar

Roubaix, Paul (pseud. Isaac Pfaff). Storm en Ander Eenbedrywe, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1951.Google Scholar

Rousseau, I.Kwiksilwersirkel, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1978.Google Scholar

Rousseau, I.'n Onbekende Jaartal, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1995.Google Scholar

Rousseau, I.Taxa, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1970.Google Scholar

Rousseau, I.Verlate Tuin, Cape Town: Balkema, 1954.Google Scholar

Schoeman, K.By Fakkellig, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1966.Google Scholar

Schoeman, K.Die Hemeltuin, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1979.Google Scholar

Schoeman, K.Na die Geliefde Land, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1972.Google Scholar

Schoeman, K.Om te Sterwe, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1976.Google Scholar

Sheldon, L.Weeklaag van die Wese, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1960.Google Scholar

Small, A.Kanna hy Kô Hystoe, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1965.Google Scholar

Small, Adam and Lasker, Carrol as Kanna, He is Coming Home, New York: Garland, 1992.Google Scholar

Small, A.Kitaar my Kruis, Cape Town: HAUM, 1961.Google Scholar

Small, A.Sê Sjibbolet, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1963.Google Scholar

Smit, B.Christine, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1971.Google Scholar

Smit, B.Die Keiser, Cape Town: Perskor, 1977.Google Scholar

Smit, B.Putsonderwater, Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel, 1962.Google Scholar

Smit, B.Die Verminktes, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1960.Google Scholar

Steyler, Klaas as To Die at Sunset, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1982.Google Scholar

Stockenström, W.Die Kremetartekspedisie, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1981.Google Scholar

Stockenström, W.Spieël van Water, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1973.Google Scholar

Stockenström, W.Uitdraai, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1976.Google Scholar

Stockenström, W.Van Vergetelheid en Glans, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1976.Google Scholar

Stockenström, W.Vir die Bysiende Leser, Cape Town: Reijger, 1970.Google Scholar

Toerien, B.Om te Onthou, Pretoria: Protea Book House, 2006.Google Scholar

Trump, M. (ed.). Rendering Things Visible: Essays on South African Literary Culture, Johannesburg: Ravan, 1990.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Bedoelde Land, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1968.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Geknelde Land, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1960.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Gelofteland, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1966.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Man van Ciréne, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1957.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Offerland, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1963.Google Scholar

Venter, F. A.Swart Pelgrim, Johannesburg: Boek-van-die-maand-klub, 1952.Google Scholar

Vries, A.Bliksoldate Bloei nie, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1975.Google Scholar

Vries, A.Briekwa, Cape Town: Perskor, 1973.Google Scholar

Vries, A.Dubbeldoor, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1963.Google Scholar

Vries, A.Vliegoog, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1965.Google Scholar

Vries, A.Volmoed se Gasie, Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1972.Google Scholar

Watermeyer, G. A.Die Republiek van 'n Duisend Jaar, Johannesburg: J. van Melle, 1957.Google Scholar

Watermeyer, G. A.Sekel and Simbaal, Cape Town: Nasionale Pers, 1948.Google Scholar

Willemse, H.Aan die Ander Kant: Swart Afrikaanse Skrywers in die Afrikaanse Letterkunde, Pretoria: Protea Book House, 2007.Google Scholar

Willemse, H. ‘Insularity and Ambivalence: The Case of the South African Poet P. J. Philander's Epic Poem, Zimbabwe’, Research in African Literatures 39:1 (2008).CrossRef Google Scholar

Accessibility standard: Unknown

Why this information is here

This section outlines the accessibility features of this content - including support for screen readers, full keyboard navigation and high-contrast display options. This may not be relevant for you.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility compliance for the PDF of this chapter is currently unknown and may be updated in the future.