Description
First edition of Diary from a South African Prison by Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, inscribed to U.S. Ambassador Ed Perkins.
Octavo, 93pp. Paperback, title in red on spine. No additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, faint rubbing to edges, shelf wear, a near fine example. Signed and inscribed by the author on the half-title: “To the Honorable Ambassador and Mrs. Edward J. Perkins; Let’s work together to end man’s inhumanity to man! 01/8/88.”
Diary From a South African Prison describes Dr. Tshenuwani Farisani’s multiple detentions while seeking out justice during the apartheid regime. Farisani was recognized as a victim of apartheid during the Truth and Reconciliation process and served in South Africa’s first Democratic Government from 1994-2010.
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.
