285pp., paperback, Johannesburg, (1980) 2004
Xhosa novel, originally published in 1940 under the title Ingqumbo Yeminyanya.
When Jongilanga, a student at the University College of Fort Hare, is identified by a tribal elder as the heir to the Mpondomise throne, he leaves university and becomes king. However, his ideas are too progressive for most of his people and his corrupt uncle leads a revolt against him.
A C Jordan (1906-1968) was a lecturer in Bantu languages and African studies at the University of Cape Town until 1961, when he immigrated to the United States. He taught at the UCLA and at the University of Wisconsin. He died in exile.