... extraordinary book ... extremely illuminating. Possibly the most original contribution in a decade to the literature on South African Politics ... Chris Hani, his role in the ANC's military command and his position in the Communist party are revealed for the first time. As he, and others in the movement, now emerge to take their places in the new order that is unfolding in South Africa, we owe to Stephen Ellis and Africa Confidential our first glimpses of the realities behind the myths. His sources come from within these organisations and are not attributable. They cannot be wholly relied upon, but until we have other, better accounts, they remain indispensable reading to anyone interested in contemporary South Africa. -

• The Communist Party of South Africa (1921-50); the spear of the nation (1961-68); the party triumphant (1969-75); from Soweto to Angola (1976-9); destabilisation (1980-3); mutiny (1984); rising in the townships (1984-5); states of emergency (1986-7); soldiers and diplomats (1987-90).