Tom Macdonald — Ouma Smuts

London, Hurst and Blackett , [1946]. Leather. An affectionate biography of Isie Smuts, wife of the Union of South Africa's second Prime Minister, Jan Smuts. An excellent copy. Undated. Dated from Jisc [1946]An affectionate biography by Tom Macdonald of Sybella Smuts. She was the wife of the Union of South Africa's second Prime Minister and benefactor, Jan Smuts. Described as intellectually gifted, eccentric, artistic, and thoughtful, she was greatly admired and was a successful public figure despite preferring staying in the background. She maintained a leadership role in the Women's United Party, but she really gained notoriety during World War II when she founded the Gifts and Comforts Fund in July 1940, raising £158,000 by 1942; worldwide, she earned the affectionate nickname of Ouma Smuts [grandma Smuts] during this time.Illustrated with various photographs in black and white. In a half morocco binding over cloth covered boards and marbled endpapers. Externally very smart with only minor shelf wear. Inscribed by a previous owner to the front free endpaper, undated. Internally, firmly bound. A minor spotting to the fore edge, not affecting pages that are bright and clean. Illustrated with a frontispiece and various photographs in black and white throughout. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Unnamed. Very Good Indeed .