Cecil Rhodes is on record as saying he had only met two creators in South Africa, one being himself and the other James Douglas Logan. Born in Reston, Scotland in 1857, Logan emigrated to South Africa at the age of nineteen. Based upon years of research in South Africa and the United Kingdom, and using original archive material (including many unseen photographs) Dr Allen’s fascinating book explores how James Logan made his fortune in nineteenth century South Africa through business, politics and a high profile association with the British Empire’s favourite sport – cricket.

Empire, War & Cricket in South Africa explores in detail how Matjiesfontein was created and how Logan developed this little Karoo town into a renowned health resort, attracting the rich and famous – including South African novelist Olive Schreiner and England cricketer George Lohmann. But above all, this is the untold story of how James Logan was instrumental in developing the game of cricket in South Africa.

Learn how one of the first international cricket matches between South Africa and England took place at Matjiesfontein.

Explore the controversial 1901 South African cricket tour to England in the midst of the Anglo-Boer War.

Read the amazing story of how Logan once had the captain and manager of England’s cricket team arrested as they boarded their ship home.

Discover Logan’s close relationship with Rhodes and how their ‘shady dealings’ brought down the Premier’s first government.

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