Jane Rosenthal
Plettenberg Bay and the Paradise Coast by Patricia Storrar (TJM Publishers)
Patricia Storrar, the well-known historian of the southern Cape, earned her stripes in 1974 when she debunked myths surrounding George Rex of Knysna. Now she has drawn on her previous research to explore new areas in this book, which is further enhanced by several excellent chapters contributed by other experts.
Covering the region from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this hefty and gorgeous tome is a curious mixture of history, several sciences, biography, tourist brochure and social record. Better than the curate’s egg, it is very good in parts and only slightly off in others. Which parts will, of course, depend on the reader. My favourites were those on colonial history and archaeology, the Griquas and the extraordinary Fourcade who revolutionised cartography.
I was less impressed with the chapter on golf, especially the comment that an 18-hole course was a “necessity” for Plett. And in this magnificently illustrated book old and new photographs, plus reproductions of Le Vaillant and Samuel Daniell a better balance would have been achieved if there had been at least some pictures of Bossiesgif and KwaNokothula, illustrating the most striking recent demographic change in the area.
Nonetheless, this should become a classic reference and a treasured collector’s item.