Kruger’s Pretoria – Vivian Allen

Pretoria’s history is comparatively recent. It was once the capital of Kruger’s Republic, a time of turbulence and insecurity; and it was the Western outpost of what in those times were the wilds of Africa.

The houses and public buildings that have remained from that period are interesting from an architectural point of view because there was no local tradition or style. The visitors and settlers who were there were unusual men with strong and often eccentric personalities; the homes that they built are used by Vivien Allen as the basis for a Lively and very personal history of early Pretoria.

Over 200 photographs support the text, often rescued from family albums, and from archival sources. In addition, there are many specially-drawn illustrations of old buildings by Hannes Meiring.

The book is introduced and welcomed by Judge J.F.Marais.