HENDERSONVILLE, N.C., Nov. 5, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- When navigator Bartholmeo Dias christened a small cape near Africa's tip, the Cape of Storms, the King of Portugal changed it to the Cape of Good Hope in anticipation of a new trade route to India. Since its inception, South Africa has been a haven for economic advancement, but the society has been as stormy as its first name suggested. In his new book, Out of Ashes: The Boers' Struggle for Freedom Through the English War 1899-1902 (now available through 1stBooks), Daniel J. Theron reveals the struggles and little known history of his homeland.
Theron weaves a thread of hope through Out of Ashes as it records the stormy history of South Africa from 1647 to 2000. Inspired by Theron's mother, the book recounts the hardships the Boers suffered at the hands of the British, involving the burning homes of the scorched earth policy and the deadly concentration camps where 26,000 Boers died. Theron gives a thorough account of the war for freedom, where the Boers, outnumbered seven to one, fought for two and a half years.
The end of the book details the "Phoenix of the Boers' spirit" that rose from the smoldering ashes. He also discusses the rise of the Afrikaners, the Boers descendants, and their political and economic dominance. Although quite successful, South Africa had a much criticized human rights record. Theron discusses the Apartheid era with a "balanced assessment."
"(Out of Ashes) is sometimes infuriating at the injustice of history; sometimes tear jerking at the inhumanity of man; sometimes hilarious. It is entertaining and educational history," Theron says.
Growing up in South Africa, Theron attended the University of Pretoria and eventually received a doctorate in theology from Princeton Theological Seminary where he taught New Testament and Patristics. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister. He has also published other books, Evidence of Tradition, a textbook, and Hear Our Prayers and Hymns O Lord We Pray, an inspirational book. He is versed in finances as well, serving as vice president of investments with the Wall Street firm UBS (Paine Webber).
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