PHILIP, John.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Researches in South Africa; Illustrating the Civil, Moral, and Religious Condition of the Native Tribes: First edition. "Few books on South African matters have been the subject of such fierce denunciation and bitter criticisms as these volumes" (Mendelssohn). In 1819, Philip travelled out to South Africa in the service of the London Missionary Society and soon became a harsh critic of colonial policy. His work was greeted with public indignation, the subject being brought before Parliament, and accusations of libel. The court found against Philip and ordered the payment of £1100 in damages and costs, this fine covered by his evangelical backers. In Britain, Philip "made contact with Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, and convinced him that the struggle for the rights of free Khoi-Khoi people in southern Africa was inseparable from the main emancipation agitation. With this entrée into the world of high politics he was able to persuade the colonial secretary, Sir George Murray, to remove all civil disabilities on 'free persons of colour' at the Cape, and indeed throughout the British empire … On his return to Africa in 1829 Philip was fêted as a hero by the Khoi-Khoi, but vilified by the settlers and officials" (ODNB).

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