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The Barrel of a Gun

Political Power in Africa and the Coup d'État
By Ruth First
Series: Verso's Southern Questions
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Brief Description
A committed communist and anti-apartheid activist, Ruth First dedicated her life to African liberation struggles until her assassination by South Africa’s Special Branch in 1982. The Barrel of a Gun establishes First’s position in the canon of post-colonial revolutionary thought. Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5699
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Releases 1st December 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Barrel of a Gun" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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The classic study of coups d’état in post-colonial Africa, with incisive new foreword

The classic study of coups d’état in post-colonial Africa, with incisive new foreword

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A committed communist and anti-apartheid activist, Ruth First dedicated her life to African liberation struggles until her assassination by South Africa’s Special Branch in 1982.

The Barrel of a Gun establishes First’s position in the canon of post-colonial revolutionary thought.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781804299449

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 August 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Edition: Paperback original

Contributors:

  • Contributions by Christopher J Lee
  • Foreword by Christopher J Lee

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 597g

Pages: 544

Collections

African History Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Non-Fiction Pre-Orders Politics & Current Affairs Pre-order Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Ruth First Series: Verso's Southern Questions

About the Author

Ruth First (1925–1982) was a fearless South African journalist, scholar, and anti-apartheid activist. Born to Latvian Jewish immigrants, she dedicated her life to fighting systemic racism and inequality. Her relentless investigative journalism and involvement with the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) led to multiple arrests, a 117-day solitary confinement, and her eventual assassination via a parcel bomb in Mozambique

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