Breyten Breytenbach is hailed in South Africa and internationally as an influential writer and critical thinker. Parool / Parole is a collection of some of his most memorable and poignant speeches, which, through their resonating subject matter, continue to light literary, political and philosophical fires. Each of these public addresses -- delivered in English and Afrikaans at various events around the world between 1968 and 2015 links historical moments in the development of Afrikaans and South African literature to key events in Breytenbachs life and career. His speech at the Sestiger Summer School in 1973, for example, represents a watershed moment regarding Afrikaans writers attitudes towards social and political issues. In his Rapport Prize acceptance speech, delivered in 1986, Breytenbach brazenly confronts Afrikaners about their support of an apartheid police state an argument so compelling and ground-breaking in its style of address that it will be remembered by future generations. And who will be left unmoved when reading Breytenbachs plea in the Palace of Justice in 1975, when he addressed the judge who would eventually send him to jail on terrorism charges? The recent tribute at AndreĢ Brinks memorial service in Cape Town reaffirms the authors passionate commitment to his craft, and demonstrates how his creative output is framed by an acute sense of morality. The speeches in Parool / Parole, many of which have not been published before, will provide valuable insights into the mind of a literary icon. Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.