PRIME MINISTER JAN C. SMUTS (SOUTH AFRICA) - AUTOGRAPH CIRCA 1942 - HFSID 9347

JAN C. SMUTS
An intimate biography of the South African leader written by his son
Signature: "J.C. Smuts/P.M.", 3½x2½ page imprinted "London 6 nov. 1942." Affixed to the title page of Jan Christian Smuts, by his son, J.C. Smuts, 592p, 5½x8½, hardcover. Cassell & Company Ltd, London: 1952. Illustrated with black and white photos and maps. From the jacket notes: "This biography of one of the greatest and most respected men of our time has a very special intimacy and authenticity. No other man could have brought to it such a full knowledge and understanding, for this is a record of Smuts's (sic) life by his own son...this life of the greatest man South Africa has produced is of special interest, both for the portrait it paints and for the inside history of South Africa which it relates...." Jan Christian Smuts (1870-1950) was an influential writer and effective military commander in the Afrikaner resistance to British rule in South Africa, the Boer War (1899-1902). Thereafter, he opposed extreme Afrikaner nationalism and urged reconciliation. He was instrumental in the formation of the Union of South Africa (1910), and served for two long periods as its Prime Minister (1919-1924, 1939-1948). Smuts was influential beyond the boundaries of South Africa. During World War I he successfully commanded British troops against the Germans in East Africa. Then he joined the Imperial War Cabinet. The only man to sign the peace treaties ending both World Wars, he was also instrumental in the founding of both the League of Nations and the United Nations. In original dust jacket, which is lightly foxed on inside flaps. Lightly creased and chipped at upper edges. Slight paper loss at upper spine at back cover. Overall, fine condition.