Search results for ""footprint press""

Full colour, packed with interesting facts and wonderful illustrations of just some of the amazingly diverse Fauna and Flora that grace our beautiful coastlands. It is ideal for the young reader – but just as appealing to the young at heart. The book covers an eclectic selection, from creatures as familiar as chameleons to the extraordinary symbiosis between that beautiful plant Roridula and its associated bugs, Pameridea. Each article is a little gem that will enrich, educate and often astonish the reader. It is written with flair that shares Anina’s enthusiasm for the secrets of science that have been unraveled to reveal the true intricacies of nature. The book is also graced with the magical, delicate paintings of local artist Margie Crossman, which lure us into the stories and bring the words to life, producing a captivating blend. R50 of every book sold through Footprint Press will go towards the Whale Coast Conservation Chameleon Project.

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Dreams & Dust is a unique book and an important contribution to the evolving new historiography of South Africa. It is an overview of the 58 (mostly) short-lived republics that have existed in South Africa since 1795 – and an equally-fascinating 20 fictional ones (Bapetikosweti, Fook, Wakanda etc). This comprehensive, meticulously-researched book stretches to 611 pages, and includes 85 seldom-seen historical maps and many extraordinary images. It is a must for any bookshelf for people interested in the uncovered aspects of South Africa’s rich and tumultuous past – while the section of the fictional states and the concluding chapters take on an aspirational, forward-looking view.

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This is the inspiring story of a truly remarkable South African, Advocate RW (Mike) Bowen, and his transformation from a disabled war veteran into a powerful campaigner for human rights. Mike was tragically blinded in late 1917 by exploding shell shrapnel in Flanders during a battle of the First World War. He overcame this severe disability through his great strength of character and with the help of a capable and determined woman, Eleanor. (Lil) Gillies, who married Mike. She encouraged and supported him throughout their married life. Mike graduated from Cambridge University with a law degree and then qualified as a barrister in London. On returning to South Africa he had a distinguished career as an advocate and as a Member of Parliament. Mike forcefully opposed racial discrimination and promoted the interests of disabled people. He achieved much in public service, working with compassionate individuals on projects for the disabled, many of which were initiated and nurtured by women. The important role played by women in shaping men and society is often overlooked. This biography highlights their pioneering work and proves that “behind every successful man there is a powerful woman”.

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This collection of essays by popular science writer Mike Bruton reflects his multiple involvements in science, art and technology. He is equally at home sharing his knowledge on creativity in the sciences and the arts, funny episodes in the history of science, lessons from the dodo, the updated coelacanth story, evolution of the bicycle, Africa’s Nobel Prize winners, or our greatest inventors and strangest creatures.’ Science is so deep, fast-moving and complex today that it is important to have someone who can wade through the detail and showcase the most interesting bits for general readers. Although the book deals with some deep scientific issues, using examples drawn from the author’s remarkable experiences, it is accessible to all readers as he retains a childlike curiosity throughout and is not ashamed to express his excitement at new discoveries and bizarre inventions.

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As Rob Hersov writes in his Foreword, My Joburg Family brought back a flood of memories, a feeling of déjà vu, which would surely be shared by members of this generation when reading the book. When I think back to my childhood and growing up in Johannesburg in the 60s and 70s, I almost feel guilty as it was the happiest of times.’For the white community, there was a simplicity to life, things were ordered and predictable. The sun was always shining but were there dark clouds on the horizon. Were we experiencing a false sense of security? Was this also a time of uncertainty? Although Glenn Babb’s parents were uncomfortable with the current political situation, he grew up in comfortable surroundings, well-prepared for a fine education, a degree in law, overseas travel and ultimately a distinguished career. Throughout the narrative, Glenn shows a keen awareness of the political overtones and there are numerous references to the characters he met along the way. Fine writing flows from his intelligent pen – the book will take you back on the paths of nostalgia.

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This hardcover edition contains with over 200 full colour pages crammed with a detailed history of De Meillon’s lifetime and family lineage, along with many previously unpublished works of art and documents Henry Clifford De Meillon (1800-1859) is recognised as one the most significant South African artists of the early 19th century. Anna Smith’s Cape Views and Costumes (1978) reproduced works from the Brenthurst Library and tried to establish facts behind his life but left many unanswered questions. The authors have addressed most of these with newly discovered records. In addition to new research discoveries, a large body of unpublished art works by De Meillon were found and are reproduced here, including hydrographic charts and coastal views done aboard HMS Leven, Cape wild flowers, views of the Cape, as well as later paintings from the eastern Cape wild frontier. These add significantly to the portfolio of De Meillon’s known art, increasing his stature as an important South African artist. Many of the puzzles about his life and family have also been solved. The De Meillon family typifies many South African families. Their origins are diverse, and by the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War, descendants found themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. Later generations of De Meillons made significant contributions to Science and Art, such as the world-renowned entomologist, Botha De Meillon, and his daughter, the artist Mimi Cabri. This book is a tribute to the lasting legacy of Henry Clifford De Meillon, progenitor of the family in South Africa and beyond.

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