Podcast #17 is up. This one tells the tale of the larger-than-life 18th Century Boer frontiersman Coenraad de Buys: Hunter, trekker, rebel, lover of multitudes of native women, founder of his own distinct tribe.
Coenraad de Buys really is an avatar for borderlands history — a living example of the principles the great historian Pekka Hämäläinen (The Comanche Empire; Lakota America) laid out: spatial mobility, situational identity, local contingency, and the ambiguities of power.
Listen here or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Matthew says
Great podcast, Jim. De Buys seems like he stepped out of a novel because he was so larger than life.
Paul+McNamee says
Fascinating stuff.
Robert Deis says
Another great episode. Kudos!
JimC says
Thank you. Appreciate your support.
Chas S Clifton says
Always good to see Pekka Hämäläinen cited. His books have done a lot for me.
David Wrolson says
I waited till I was done with “Red Dog” to listen to the podcast. I had actually understood more from the book than I thought I might (LOL).
Re-Borderlands-have you seen this one?
“Beneath the Backbone of the World: Blackfoot People and the North American Borderlands 1720-1877.”
I think I have Mostert’s “Frontiers” somewhere in the great unread area that is my TBR universe-I may be able to find it as I try to narrow down where it might be.
JimC says
“Red Dog” was a trip, wasn’t it? I had not heard about the Blackfoot book. That’s probably be a must-get.
Christian Parkinson says
An excellent episode. I am currently reading the life of Moshoeshoe who was the founder of the Basotho nation – if I come across any great frontier characters I’ll let you know.
JimC says
Thank you. Please share what you find. So many chiefs and kings navigating complete upheaval.