Library

Hesse Collection of German Africana

The Hesse Collection of German Africana includes publications, original manuscripts and archival collections and was initiated by the late Dr AO Hesse, who for many years was a lecturer of German at Unisa.

The published works include many valuable titles reflecting the German contribution to South African culture over many decades. These works have been incorporated in the Library's catalogue. They include :

  • travel stories
  • diaries
  • missionary literature
  • bible stories
  • hunting and animal stories
  • war literature
  • scientific works on many subjects

The manuscripts consist of :

  • diaries (mainly of 19th century German missionaries)
  • family histories
  • genealogies
  • correspondence and biographies

Because the old cursive Gothic writing is virtually obsolete, the more important works - such as the diaries of the Reverend Albert Nachtigal (1861-1893) and Carl Hoffmann (1894-1910) - have been transcribed and are available in book form.

Contact person: Anri van der Westhuizen avdwesth@unisa.ac.za

Tel:  +27 12 429 2560

Last modified: Mon Aug 07 17:14:20 SAST 2023