Literary history is a problematic and shifting discourse, especially in the multilingual, post-colonial South African situation. In this book, the author draws on his intimate knowledge of documents written in Dutch during the 17th century and the texts that were produced in this language and its variations as it gradually became Afrikaans by the end of the 19th century. A History of South African Literature: Afrikaans Literature 17th-19th centuries brings an important expansion and regeneration of Afrikaans historiography within the context of South African literary history. A History of South African Literature: Afrikaans Literature 17th-19th centuries is divided into three broad historical periods: the Dutch colonial time (1652-1795), British colonial time (first part of the 19th century) and the time of the language movements (latter half of the 19th century). It follows an inclusive approach, discussing and contextualising a wide variety of documents, like travelogues and personal as well as official journals and other "non-literary texts". The thorough analyses of previously neglected works, like those produced at Genadendal, provide a rich and textured image of the history of writing in South Africa.