RED ROAD TO FREEDOM, a history of the South African Communist Party, 1921-2021

626pp., illus., paperback, Johannesburg, 2021

"Red Road to Freedom is the first comprehensive account of the century-long history of the Communist Party by one of the most authoritative scholars of South African political history. From the early socialist groups and international influences that contributed to the party's formation, to its embrace of national liberation and progressive Africanisation, its reorganisation underground, the armed struggle and exile years, and finally its still unfolding relationship with successive ANCled governments post-apartheid" Arianna Lissoni, History Workshop, University of the Witwatersrand 

"Whether traversing well-trodden routes, paths less travelled or uncharted territory, this tour de force, drawing on the author's renowned knowledge, skills and critical acumen, illuminates how and why South African communists achieved remarkable influence and outreach on the precarious road to freedom." Ronnie Kasrils, former Head of Intelligence for uMkhonto weSizwe and author of Armed and Dangerous

"Red Road is a fascinating and dispassionate history of 'the party' and its role in the South African liberation struggle. Lodge tackles the big questions without flinching, while also capturing the nuances of a complex context. He presents a detailed and integrated narrative of a century of struggle, which does not shy away from the many controversies involved." Professor Janet Cherry, Nelson Mandela University 

Historian Tom Lodge taught at the University of the Witwatersrand from 1978 to 2005 and was Professor of Political Studies from 1997.  In 2005 he was appointed Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Limerick in Ireland. His books include Black Politics in South Africa since 1945 (1983), Mandela: a critical biography (2006) and Sharpeville: an apartheid massacre and its consequences (2011). He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy.