South African Reference Books of 1966

Summary

Reuben Musiker surveys South African reference works published in 1966, together with selected 1965 publications received too late for the preceding review, supplementing the fourth edition of his Guide to South African Reference Books. Organized by subject, the review covers atlases, bibliographies, biography and genealogy, botany, education, fine arts, geology, history, language and literature, and social work, providing publication details and some prices. Highlights include the government’s Development Atlas, the completion of Africa Maps and Statistics in ten parts, periodical directories and indexes, an expanded African Who’s Who, and rewritten South African genealogies. Musiker identifies botany as the most prolific scientific publishing field and discusses compilations of plant names, tree monographs, and works on aloes. He also reviews an educational survey, histories and archival guides concerning Natal, and reprints of historical works and parliamentary debates. Assessments address both reference value and practical limitations, including awkward arrangement in African Who’s Who and missing annotations in a historical bibliography, while distinguishing published works from planned revisions, supplements, and reprints.