Karel Schoeman
Encyclopedia
Karel Schoeman is a South African novelist, historian, translator and man of letters. The author of 18 novels and numerous works of history, he is one of South Africa's most awarded and highly-regarded authors. Although several of Schoeman's non-fiction works are available in English, he has chosen to write primarily in Afrikaans
. Few of his novels have been translated into other languages.
In 1999, on the occasion of Nelson Mandela
's retirement, Schoeman was one of only two living South African writers to be honoured with a State President's Award.
This ingenious strategy allows both the curious reader and serious researchers in Southern African studies to access a good spectrum of representative critical assessments of his work. Moreover, the book has been edited by two leading scholars in the field of Afrikaans literature, i.e. Willie Burger and Helize van Vuuren.
The title, Sluiswagter by die Dam van Stemme: Beskouings oor die Werk van Karel Schoeman (Pretoria: Protea, 2002), borrows imagery derived from some of his later, significant novels, and hints at the unique literary and historical niche which Schoeman, as writer of fiction, and historian, has created for himself in the literary landscape of the country. As a guardian at the dammed up wall of forgotten voices from the past, the title suggests, this outsider-artist figure has guided those unheard voices to expression within the narrative landscape that he has given birth to through his writing.
Even though the title is Afrikaans, the book contains some useful contributions in English which facilitate considerations of Schoeman's works within a broader South African and international perspective. This collection also contains a transcription of an interview with Karel Schoeman, dating from 1998, one of only a very few he has given during his life.
Sluiswagter is structured in a way which enables even a novice Schoeman reader to become acquainted - easily and with much useful insight - with detailed discussions of his books, and summaries of critical views, thematic preoccupations and literary approaches. In this regard, chapters by one of the editors, Helize van Vuuren, in addition to Gert Jooste and Carl Kieck, provide oeuvre overviews of Schoeman's work, and help to reveal the impressive scope and consistent thematic trajectory which has been present in the author's works since the 1960s.
Carl Kieck's proposed Jungian approach in particular provides an important interpretative key with which to complete the array of approaches that has been forwarded over the years in order to unlock Schoeman's elusive literary art. Another noteworthy contribution - and equally necessary - is that by the renowned South African historian Hermann Giliomee, who comments upon the prolific historiographical legacy of the writer in greater detail.
Specific contributions, often in relation to an individual work, are provided after the overview chapters by many well-known names in relation to South African literature, and Schoeman's work in particular. A few of these, to highlight, with either older or new contributions, are written by Hans Ester, J.M. Coetzee, Henriette Roos, Luc Renders, Chris van der Merwe, Willie Burger - the other editor - and Philip John.
Another useful feature is that the book lists most of the secondary works on Schoeman up to 2001. Much, however, still needs to be done to introduce Schoeman to an international audience. Nonetheless, as more and more translations and adaptations of his works are done, the importance of this writer within a Southern African context, is becoming steadily more apparent, and will no doubt be established before long.
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
. Few of his novels have been translated into other languages.
In 1999, on the occasion of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
's retirement, Schoeman was one of only two living South African writers to be honoured with a State President's Award.
Novels
- Veldslag (1965) (actually two novellas: Veldslag and In Ballingskap)
- By Fakkellig (1966)
- n Lug vol Helder Wolke (1967)
- Spiraal (1968)
- Op 'n Eiland (1971)
- Na die Geliefde Land (1972)
- Die Noorderlig (1975)
- Om te Sterwe (1976)
- Afrika: 'n Roman (1977)
- Die Hemeltuin (1979)
- Die Reisiger (1980)
- Waar Ons Gelukkig Was (1981)
- n Ander Land (1984)
- Afskeid en Vertrek (1990)
- Hierdie Lewe (1993)
- Die Uur van die Engel (1995)
- Verkenning (1996)
- Verliesfontein (1998)
- Titaan: 'n Roman oor die Lewe van Michelangelo Buonarroti (2009)
Autobiographical Works, Travel Writing & Belles-Lettres
- Berig uit die Vreemde: 'n Ierse Dagboek (1966)
- Van 'n Verre Eiland: 'n Tweede Ierse Dagboek (1968)
- Koninkryk in die Noorde: 'n Boek oor Skotland (1977)
- Onderweg: Reisherinnerings (1978)
- Stamland: 'n Reis deur Nederland (1999)
- Die Laaste Afrikaanse Boek: Outobiografiese Aantekeninge (2002)
English
- Promised Land (1978)
- Another Country (1991)
- Olive SchreinerOlive SchreinerOlive Schreiner was a South African author, anti-war campaigner and intellectual. She is best remembered today for her novel The Story of an African Farm which has been highly acclaimed ever since its first publication in 1883 for the bold manner in which it dealt with some of the burning issues...
: A Woman in South Africa (1991) - Take Leave and Go (1992)
- 'Miss Godby and the magistrate', an excerpt from Verliesfontein, in A Century of Anglo-Boer WarSecond Boer WarThe Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
Stories (1999) - This Life (2005)
French
- En étrange pays ('n Ander land) (1993)
- Three short stories in Caravanes (2003)
- La Saison des Adieux (Afskeid en Vertrek) (2004), Prix Amphi 2006
- Retour au pays bien-aimé (Na die geliefde land) (2006)
- Cette Vie (Hierdie Lewe) (2009), Prix du Meilleur Livre ÉtrangerPrix du Meilleur Livre ÉtrangerThe Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger is a French literary prize created in 1948. It is awarded yearly in two categories: Novel and Essay for books translated in to French.- Prix du Meilleur livre étranger — Novel :* 2010: Gonçalo M...
2009
Translations into Afrikaans by Schoeman
- Anton ChekhovAnton ChekhovAnton Pavlovich Chekhov was a Russian physician, dramatist and author who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short stories in history. His career as a dramatist produced four classics and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics...
, Oom Wanja: Tonele uit die Plattelandse Lewe in Vier Bedrywe (1968) - Uit die Iers: Middeleeuse Gedigte (1970)
- Helde van die Rooi Tak: Die Saga van Cucullin en die Veeroof van Culne (1973)
- Friedrich SchillerFriedrich SchillerJohann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright. During the last seventeen years of his life , Schiller struck up a productive, if complicated, friendship with already famous and influential Johann Wolfgang von Goethe...
, Maria Stuart (1973) - Anton ChekhovAnton ChekhovAnton Pavlovich Chekhov was a Russian physician, dramatist and author who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short stories in history. His career as a dramatist produced four classics and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics...
, Die Kersieboord: Blyspel in Vier Bedrywe (1975) - Gode, Helde en Konings: Middeleeuse Ierse Verhale (1975)
- Finn en sy Mense: Die Avonture van die FiannaFiannaFianna were small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish mythology and Scottish mythology, most notably in the stories of the Fenian Cycle, where they are led by Fionn mac Cumhaill....
van Ierland (1976) - Pieter Langendijk, Die Huweliksbedrog: 'n Blyspel (1976)
- Herman HeijermansHerman HeijermansHerman Heijermans , was a Dutch writer.Heijermans grew up in a liberal Jewish family as the fifth of 11 children of Herman Heijermans Sr. and Matilda Moses Spiers...
, Op Hoop van Seën: 'n Spel van die See in Vier Bedrywe (1979) - Arthur SchnitzlerArthur SchnitzlerDr. Arthur Schnitzler was an Austrian author and dramatist.- Biography :Arthur Schnitzler, son of a prominent Hungarian-Jewish laryngologist Johann Schnitzler and Luise Markbreiter , was born in Praterstraße 16, Leopoldstadt, Vienna, in the Austro-Hungarian...
, Liebelei (1981) - Rob NairnRob NairnRob Nairn is a South African Buddhist teacher, author and populariser. He is a follower of Tibetan Buddhism, in the Karma Kagyu lineage.-Academic education and legal career:...
, n Stil Gemoed: 'n Inleiding tot die Boeddhisme en Meditasie (1997)
Monographs
- BloemfonteinBloemfonteinBloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and...
: Die Ontstaan van 'n Stad, 1846-1946 (1980) - Vrystaatse Erfenis: Bouwerk en Geboue in die 19de Eeu (1982)
- Die dood van 'n Engelsman: Die Cox-moorde van 1856 en die Vroeë Jare van die Oranje-Vrystaat (1982)
- Boukkunsskatte van die Vrystaat / Free StateFree StateThe Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
Heritage (1985) - Die wêreld van die digter: 'n Boek oor Sutherland en die Roggeveld ter ere van N.P. van Wyk Louw (1986)
- Die Moord op Hesje van der Merwe, 19 Oktober 1837 (1995)
- J.J. Kicherer en die Vroeë Sending, 1799-1806 (1996)
- Armosyn van die Kaap: Voorspel tot Vestiging, 1415-1651 (1999)
- Armosyn van die Kaap: Die Wêreld van 'n Slavin, 1652-1733 (2001)
- The Griqua Captaincy of PhilippolisPhilippolisPhilippolis is a small town in the Free State province of South Africa. It was founded as a missionary outpost for the Bushman in 1823, making it the oldest settlement in the Free State. It was named after John Philip of the London Missionary Society. Adam Kok II, a Griqua leader, settled here with...
, 1826-1861 (2002) - The Early Mission in South Africa / Die Vroeë Sending in Suid-Afrika, 1799-1819 (2005)
- Kinders van die Kompanjie: Kaapse Lewens uit die Sewentiende Eeu (2006)
- Early Slavery at the Cape of Good Hope, 1652-1717 (2007)
- Patrisiërs en Prinse: Die Europese Samelewing en die Stigting van 'n Kolonie aan die Kaap, 1619-1715 (2008)
- Seven Khoi Lives: Cape Biographies of the Seventeenth Century (2009)
Biographies
- In Liefde en Trou: Die Lewe van President Martinus Theunis SteynMartinus Theunis SteynMartinus Theunis Steyn was a South African lawyer, politician, and statesman, sixth and last president of the independent Orange Free State from 1896 to 1902....
en mevrou Tibbie Steyn met 'n Keuse uit Hulle Korrespondensie (1983) - Olive SchreinerOlive SchreinerOlive Schreiner was a South African author, anti-war campaigner and intellectual. She is best remembered today for her novel The Story of an African Farm which has been highly acclaimed ever since its first publication in 1883 for the bold manner in which it dealt with some of the burning issues...
: 'n Lewe in Suid-Afrika, 1855-1881 (1989) - Only an Anguish to Live Here: Olive SchreinerOlive SchreinerOlive Schreiner was a South African author, anti-war campaigner and intellectual. She is best remembered today for her novel The Story of an African Farm which has been highly acclaimed ever since its first publication in 1883 for the bold manner in which it dealt with some of the burning issues...
and the Anglo-Boer WarSecond Boer WarThe Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
, 1899-1902 (1992) - Irma SternIrma SternIrma Stern was a major South African artist who achieved national and international recognition in her lifetime.-Life:...
: The Early Years, 1894-1933 (1994) - Die Kort Sendingloopbaan van Sophia Burgmann, 1805-1812 (1994)
- A Thorn Bush that Grows in the Path: The Missionary Career of Ann Hamilton, 1815-1823 (1995)
- Die Wêreld van Susanna Smit, 1799-1863 (1995)
- A Debt of Gratitude: Lucy LloydLucy LloydLucy Catherine Lloyd was the creator along with Wilhelm Bleek of the 19th century archive of |xam and !kun texts-Early life:...
and the 'BushmanBushmenThe indigenous people of Southern Africa, whose territory spans most areas of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola, are variously referred to as Bushmen, San, Sho, Barwa, Kung, or Khwe...
Work' of G.W. Stow (1997) - Dogter van Sion: Machtelt Smit en die 18de-eeuse Samelewing aan die Kaap, 1749-1799 (1997)
- Merksteen: 'n Dubbelbiografie (1998)
- n Duitser aan die Kaap, 1724-1765: Die Lewe en Loopbaan van Hendrik Schoeman (2004)
Edited Works
- Bloemfontein in Beeld / Portrait of Bloemfontein, 1860-1881 (1987)
- Griqua Records: The Philippolis Captaincy, 1825-1861 (1996)
- The Face of the Country: A South African Family Album, 1860-1910 (1996)
- The Mission at GriquatownGriquatownGriekwastad is a country town in South Africa. It is sometimes still called Griquatown, a name which is now considered historical. The town is situated in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa about from the city of Kimberley...
, 1801-1821 (1997) - Witnesses to War: Personal Documents of the Anglo-Boer WarSecond Boer WarThe Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
(1899–1902) from the Collections of the South African Library (1998) - Die Suidhoek van Afrika: Geskrifte oor Suid-Afrika uit die Nederlandse Tyd, 1652-1806 (2002)
Awards and honours
- 1970 Hertzog Prize for By Fakkellig, n Lug Vol Helder Wolke & Spiraal
- 1972 CNA Prize for Na die Geliefde Land
- 1983 Recht Malan Prize (for non-fiction) for Vrystaatse Erfenis
- 1984 Old MutualOld MutualOld Mutual plc is an international long-term savings group. Established in 1845 in South Africa, it is now a FTSE100 listed company operating in 33 countries.-History:...
Prize for n Ander Land - 1985 W.A. Hofmyer Prize for n Ander Land
- 1986 Hertzog Prize for n Ander Land
- 1988 Helgaard Steyn Prize for n Ander Land
- 1990 SABC Prize for Best Television Drama for Op die Grens
- 1991 Old MutualOld MutualOld Mutual plc is an international long-term savings group. Established in 1845 in South Africa, it is now a FTSE100 listed company operating in 33 countries.-History:...
Prize for Afskeid en Vertrek - 1994 CNA Prize for Hierdie Lewe
- 1995 Hertzog Prize for Hierdie Lewe
- 1997 M-NetM-NetM-Net is a subscription-funded television channel in South Africa, established in 1986 by Naspers....
Book Award for Verkenning - 1997 Stals Prize for Cultural History from the South African Academy for Arts & Science
- 1998 Recht Malan Prize (for non-fiction) for Dogter van Sion
- 1999 State President Award: Order for Excellent Service
- 2000 D.Litt (honoris causa), University of Cape TownUniversity of Cape TownThe University of Cape Town is a public research university located in Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. UCT was founded in 1829 as the South African College, and is the oldest university in South Africa and the second oldest extant university in Africa.-History:The roots of...
- 2002 Recht Malan Prize (for non-fiction) for Armosyn van die Kaap
- 2003 Recht Malan Prize (for non-fiction) for Die Laaste Afrikaanse Boek
- 2004 D.Litt (honoris causa), University of the Free StateUniversity of the Free StateThe University of the Free State is situated in Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State, South Africa. The university also has a satellite campus in Qwaqwa that was, until 2003, part of the University of the North.-Academic Divisions:...
- 2006 Prix Amphi for La Saison des Adieux (Afskeid en Vertrek)
- 2006 The South African Literature Award for his complete oeuvre
- 2009 Prix du Meilleur Livre ÉtrangerPrix du Meilleur Livre ÉtrangerThe Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger is a French literary prize created in 1948. It is awarded yearly in two categories: Novel and Essay for books translated in to French.- Prix du Meilleur livre étranger — Novel :* 2010: Gonçalo M...
for Cette Vie (Hierdie Lewe)
Studies of Schoeman's Works
There are numerous published essays and articles dealing with Schoeman's literary oeuvre, as well as to an increasing extent with his historical works. The leading guide to his work, however, is a combined selection of previously published articles, enriched by specialist conference contributions, rewritten as chapters afterwards, and based upon a conference dedicated to his legacy which was held at The University of Johannesburg in 2000.This ingenious strategy allows both the curious reader and serious researchers in Southern African studies to access a good spectrum of representative critical assessments of his work. Moreover, the book has been edited by two leading scholars in the field of Afrikaans literature, i.e. Willie Burger and Helize van Vuuren.
The title, Sluiswagter by die Dam van Stemme: Beskouings oor die Werk van Karel Schoeman (Pretoria: Protea, 2002), borrows imagery derived from some of his later, significant novels, and hints at the unique literary and historical niche which Schoeman, as writer of fiction, and historian, has created for himself in the literary landscape of the country. As a guardian at the dammed up wall of forgotten voices from the past, the title suggests, this outsider-artist figure has guided those unheard voices to expression within the narrative landscape that he has given birth to through his writing.
Even though the title is Afrikaans, the book contains some useful contributions in English which facilitate considerations of Schoeman's works within a broader South African and international perspective. This collection also contains a transcription of an interview with Karel Schoeman, dating from 1998, one of only a very few he has given during his life.
Sluiswagter is structured in a way which enables even a novice Schoeman reader to become acquainted - easily and with much useful insight - with detailed discussions of his books, and summaries of critical views, thematic preoccupations and literary approaches. In this regard, chapters by one of the editors, Helize van Vuuren, in addition to Gert Jooste and Carl Kieck, provide oeuvre overviews of Schoeman's work, and help to reveal the impressive scope and consistent thematic trajectory which has been present in the author's works since the 1960s.
Carl Kieck's proposed Jungian approach in particular provides an important interpretative key with which to complete the array of approaches that has been forwarded over the years in order to unlock Schoeman's elusive literary art. Another noteworthy contribution - and equally necessary - is that by the renowned South African historian Hermann Giliomee, who comments upon the prolific historiographical legacy of the writer in greater detail.
Specific contributions, often in relation to an individual work, are provided after the overview chapters by many well-known names in relation to South African literature, and Schoeman's work in particular. A few of these, to highlight, with either older or new contributions, are written by Hans Ester, J.M. Coetzee, Henriette Roos, Luc Renders, Chris van der Merwe, Willie Burger - the other editor - and Philip John.
Another useful feature is that the book lists most of the secondary works on Schoeman up to 2001. Much, however, still needs to be done to introduce Schoeman to an international audience. Nonetheless, as more and more translations and adaptations of his works are done, the importance of this writer within a Southern African context, is becoming steadily more apparent, and will no doubt be established before long.