15 Facts About Alan Paton

Alan Stewart Paton was a South African writer and anti-apartheid activist.

Alan Paton's works include the novels Cry, the Beloved Country, Too Late the Phalarope, and the short story The Waste Land.

Alan Paton served as the principal of Diepkloof Reformatory for young offenders from 1935 to 1949.

Alan Paton introduced controversial "progressive" reforms, including policies on open dormitories, work permits, and home visitation.

Alan Paton volunteered for military service with the British Commonwealth forces during World War II, but was refused by the South African authorities.

Alan Paton toured Scandinavia, Britain, continental Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Alan Paton published numerous books in the 1950s and became wealthy from their sales.

Alan Paton served as President of the LPSA until the government forced its dissolution in the late 1960s, officially because its membership comprised both Blacks and Whites.

Alan Paton was a friend of Bernard Friedman, founder of the Progressive Party.

Alan Paton advocated peaceful opposition to apartheid, as did many others in the party.

Alan Paton's passport was not returned to him for ten years, making it impossible for him to travel to speak to other countries.

Alan Paton retired to Botha's Hill, where he resided until his death.

Alan Paton is honored at the Hall of Freedom of the Liberal International organisation.

Alan Paton continued to explore racial themes and apartheid in his second and third novels, Too Late the Phalarope and Ah, but Your Land Is Beautiful, and his collected short stories, Tales From a Troubled Land.

Alan Paton's faith was one of the reasons he was so strongly opposed to apartheid.