The Special Collections Book of the Week this week is:

From Groot Constantia to Google, 1685 to 2010: A Colourful History of Brands and Branding in South Africa

‘A History of Brands and Branding in South Africa’ uses a narrative of South Africa’s social, economic, political history and consumer culture as a backdrop to the stories of many of our most recognised brands both old and new. With over a thousand pictures and illustrations including advertisements, brand registration, products, consumer culture and moments in history many never published before, the book is a colourful and fascinating read. Many of the 400-plus brands recorded in this book are over 100 years old. One of these—Groot Constantia which dates back to 1685 was exporting to Europe as early as the 1700s. Google by contrast is a teenager, yet recognised as one of the top four most valuable brands in this world.

The colourful characters, brands and events that helped shaped South Africa and turn it into the democratic commercial powerhouse of Africa are all part of this remarkable story of a world in which branding is recognised as the most significant gift that commerce has ever made to popular culture.

Access: https://univofpretoria.on.worldcat.org/oclc/760281286

This book is available at Special Collections, housed on level 5 of the Merensky 2 Library, and is part of our Africana (ZA) Collection.

The Special Collections unit of the Department of Library Services plays a stewardship role in the acquisition and preservation of the Library's rare and valuable information resources, making t hem accessible to students, staff and researchers, as well as safeguarding them for future generations.