First drafts: South African history in the making - Allister Sparks

It was Philip Graham, legendary publisher of The Washington Post in the 1960s, who coined the epigram that the journalist's role is to write 'a first rough draft of history'.

It is a concept that has long fascinated veteran journalist Allister Sparks, because it means that a collection of those rough drafts can present a different kind of history, a contemporaneous history.

No journalist has covered South Africa with the same insight and depth as Sparks. For many years his reporting and opinion pieces have been eagerly sought out by decision makers, analysts and the public at large.

First Drafts – a scintillating collection of Sparks' writing – takes the reader on a journey through the tumultuous years of the past decade. In his inimitable style, Sparks writes on subjects that cut across the landscape both local and international.

He tackles issues ranging from the failed Mbeki presidency, the never-ending Zimbabwe crisis, the HIV-Aids debacle, and the extraordinary rise to power of President Jacob Zuma and the new political elite.