The Encyclopedia of South Africa, a three-year-long project with many delays–contributors for long essays (1000-2000 words) often missing deadlines, new jobs, children for both editors, etcetera, is finally coming out next year. It is only the second such encyclopedia published by Lynne Rienner. The first of these encyclopedias from this publisher was on the European Union. Our Encyclopedia of South Africa will be the second. The only other Encyclopedia in the series in production is on Israel/Palestine. I am very proud of myself and my co-editor, Krista Johnson, assistant professor of African studies at Howard University.

Here’s the publisher’s description:

This authoritative, comprehensive reference work covers South Africa’s history, government and politics, law, society and culture, economy and infrastructure, demography, environment, and more, from the era of human origins to the present.

Nearly 300 alphabetically arranged entries provide information in a concise yet thorough way. In addition, a series of appendixes present a wealth of data, including: a chronology of key events, key racial and apartheid legislation since 1856, heads of state (with party affiliation) since 1910, provinces and major cities, current government structures, and current political parties and representation in parliament. Photographs enhance the text.

Members of the encyclopedia’s International Advisory Board are R. Hunt Davis, Jr., Sandra Klopper, Shula Marks, Dominique Malaquais, Barney Pityana, Zine Magubane, and Peter Limb.

Coming out Spring 2011.