This is a significant book with respect to its length, scope and content. It gives an essential guide to the backgrounds, lives, contributions and histories of those arrested for treason in December 1956. It is essential reading for all those interested in South African history, especially the struggle against apartheid, and is a must for schools and university libraries.
In it are documented the biographies of the 156 accused, in equal measure, the great and the small, the well-known and those only remembered by their immediate relatives, comrades and friends. There is a note of the racial, educational and political affiliations of the accused. In the light of the present apartheid model being followed by Israel, it is interesting that of the 23 whites, 12 were Jews.
The task has been a noble one. There is scant information available about some of the accused and a superfluity about others. Some of the biographies span the long periods of their busy lives, others are foreshortened by lack of information on parts of their histories. By and large the book tries to give equal prominence to all.
It is inevitable that on such a broad canvas there should appear some errors when minutely examined. It also a pity that the task had been undertaken without it seems the assistance of a rigorous editor. The indexing is not too helpful and references could be clearer and more extensive.
It is a task well done. It is a gap needing to be closed. Do not try to read it cover to cover but indulge yourself by dipping into it every now and then.
* Ron Press was one of the 156 charged in the 1956 treason trial.
156 Hands that built South Africa
by Phyllis Naidoo
[Contents]