Cricket is one of South Africa’s most celebrated sporting codes, but have you ever wondered how this British sport made its way to our shores?
Well, if you have, you might want to go to the Anglo-Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein this evening as the distinguished historian, Dr. Dean Allen, will be unpacking these and other matters which he talks about in his book Empire, War & Cricket.
The book focuses on James Douglas Logan, who was born in Scotland in 1857 and then emigrated to South Africa at the age of nineteen.
In his book, Dr Allen provides a riveting account of Logan’s life in South Africa, including how he made his fortune through business, politics and a high profile association with the British Empire’s favourite sport, cricket.
Guests can expect a sherry serving as they arrive before Dr Allen unpacks less known facts in South Africa’s history such as how one of the first international cricket matches between South Africa and England took place at Matjiesfontein in the Western Cape’s Central Karoo District.
He also reveals well-supported details about South African cricket’s controversial tour to England, which took place in 1901, during the Anglo Boer War.
The book also provides well researched biographical insights on how Logan once had the captain of England’s cricket team arrested as they boarded their ship home as well as how Logan’s underhand dealings with Cecil Rhodes brought down the Premier’s first government.
It promises to be an evening of great insight from one of South Africa’s most reveled historians, with the hosts also serving guests with some sherry and soup to make the evening more delightful.
To reserve your spot at this fascinating event, call Ronel Theart at 082 490 3112 or email her at ronel.theart@vodamail.co.za.
The event will be held at the Anglo Boer Museum from 18:00 on Thursday, 27 July 2017. The book will also be available for purchase at the event.
Bloemfontein Courant- info@bloemfonteincourant.co.za
