First Edition: 253 pages, original brown cloth faded at top and bottom of the spine, top edge dust soiled, portion of the dust jacket missing at the top and the remnants are now preserved in a protector.
A label on the front free endpaper states, 'This copy is one of fifty copies of the first edition signed by the author in aid of the funds of the South African Liberal Party,' and is signed by Alan Paton (there is also an inscription of a previous owner on the same endpaper).
South African History on Line (https://sahistory.org.za/article/liberal-party-south-africa-lpsa):
Formation of the LPSA:
'In 1951, a number of people met in Pietermaritzburg to discuss a response to the increasing entrenchment of apartheid by the government. Amongst them were Alan Paton, Peter Brown and Henry Selby Msimang. Sometime in 1953, this group developed formed an organisation known as the Liberal Association which brought together a number of liberal groups.
'Among its founding members were Alan Paton, Leo Marquard, Margaret Ballinger and Edgar Brookes who all became its four vice presidents. Subsequently, branches were set up in various parts of the country including the Cape Town, Johannesburg, the Free State and the Natal Midlands.
'On 15 April 1953, the NP held a second general election and was returned to power. The Liberal Association convened a meeting in Cape Town to discuss what their next move would be in the light of the NP’s victory. On 9 May 1953, the LA formally constituted itself as the Liberal Party of South Africa (LPSA) when delegates voted to transform the LA into political party.
'Margaret Ballinger became its first president while Alan Paton and Leo Marquard became vice presidents. In addition, Oscar Wollheim became the party’s chairperson and Leslie Rubin vice-chairperson. Peter Brown and Selby Msimang represented Natal. The latter is credited with building a network of LPSA branches in Natal recruiting Black people to its ranks.'
- Size: 8vo (190 x 130 mm)
