History will come to life at Lowveld Book Festival
Some fascinating talks, presentations and meetings with the authors of recent historical publications are in store for those interested in local and general history at the annual Lowveld Book Festival from August 18 to 20 at Casterbridge.
WHITE RIVER – On Saturday August 19 a renowned historian of Mpumalanga, Prof Peter Delius of Wits, who is the author and compiler of the seminal Mpumalanga Heritage and History published in 2007, is to introduce his more recent publication on this region. Delius, with Dr Alex Schoeman and Tim Maggs, co-authored Forgotten World. It tells the story of the Bokoni through rigorous historical and archaeological research, and is beautifully illustrated with photographic images. This will be from 16:00 to 17:45 in the Casterbridge Cinema at a cost of R50 per person.
For those who missed the launch of this book, with an intriguing audiovisual presentation at Verlorenkloof some two years ago, this is the chance to make it up. This will be followed by a cocktail function of Mpumalanga Heritage in the foyer of the Barnyard Theatre at 18:00. Delius will be the first recipient of the annual Mpumalanga Heritage Awards for worthy contributors towards the conservation of heritage and history in this region. All are welcome to attend. A cash bar will be available.
On Sunday August 20 from 11:15 to 12:00 at Casterbridge Hollow Lounge, there will be the launch of yet another new book on the Anglo- Boer War, edited and compiled by Bill Yeowart of White River, The Poole Diaries. Robert Poole kept a diary in which he meticulously recorded his thoughts, impressions and observations for the entire first year of the war. This work, until now an unknown document, sheds new light on the war which took place more than 100 years ago. Well-known historian, Prof Louis Changuion will introduce the author and the book. Admission is free.
From 12:30 to 13:15, Changuion will be in conversation with Marius Bakkes of Mpumalanga Heritage on his own latest publication, The Duke of Haenertsburg. This publication gives an overview of the life and times of the 11th Duke of Atholl. It is an extraordinary story of a man who did not expect to be elevated into this position and who accepted the title rather reluctantly.
Admission is free and books will be available for sale at all of these events.
