Herman Charles Bosman
Herman Charles Bosman was a notable South African writer, born in Kuilsriver near Cape Town, who became particularly recognized for his short stories that capture the rural essence of South Africa's Marico district. His early life was marked by a distinct flair for writing and a rebellious spirit, as evidenced by his unconventional approach to academics, including submitting an essay for an Algebra exam. After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, Bosman worked as a teacher in the Groot Marico area, where he drew inspiration for his literary works, notably his stories narrated by the character Oom Schalk Lourens. A pivotal moment in Bosman's life occurred when he accidentally shot and killed his brother, leading to a death sentence that was ultimately commuted to ten years of hard labor, during which he produced significant writing, including the acclaimed memoir "Cold Stone Jug."
Despite his deep ties to rural life, Bosman was also a cosmopolitan figure who thrived in Johannesburg's vibrant culture, enjoying social outings and advocating for the preservation of the city’s historic architecture. His personal life included hosting extravagant parties with his second wife, Ella Manson, further reflecting his urban lifestyle. Bosman's life came to a premature end at the age of forty-six due to a heart attack, shortly after one such memorable celebration. His contributions to South African literature remain influential, capturing both the rural landscapes and urban experiences of his time.
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Subject Terms
Herman Charles Bosman
Writer
- Born: February 5, 1905
- Birthplace: Kuilsrivier, near Capetown, South Africa
- Died: October 14, 1951
- Place of death: Edenvale, South Africa
Biography
Herman Charles Bosman was born in Kuilsriver, near Cape Town, South Africa, spent much of his life in the metropolis of Johannesburg, and spent nine years abroad in the great capitals of Europe. He is perhaps most identified, however, with the rural ways of South Africa’s Marico district, which he documented in his most famous short stories. Bosman displayed an early aptitude for writing and a rakish spirit that would become part of his legend; he once submitted an essay on an Algebra exam, explaining that his verbal skills excused him from having to master any mathematics. Bosman contributed to the Johannesburg Sunday Times as a teenager and once placed third in a University poetry contest, albeit by submitting a Percy Bysshe Shelley poem under his own name.
After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, Bosman worked as a teacher in the rural Groot Marico district. His experiences here provided background for his most famous short stories, narrated by a grizzled farmer named Oom Schalk Lourens.
After a year of teaching in the Marico region, Bosman returned to Johannesburg for a family visit. While there, he accidentally shot and killed his brother during an argument. Bosman was initially sentenced to death for this act, but his sentence was commuted to ten years hard labor; in actuality, he was released after four years. Bosman used his time in prison as an opportunity to write, for it was there that he began work on his Marico stories. He also wrote a memoir of his prison experience,Cold Stone Jug, which is considered a classic of South African literature.
While the rural life of Groot Marico is central to Bosman’s literary legacy, he was also an urbane figure who enjoyed the city life of Johannesburg. Many of his later stories recounted drinking excursions to various bars and hotels. He was also outspoken in his appreciation for the urban fabric of his home city, decrying the destruction of historic buildings as the city grew.
Bosman and his second wife, Ella Manson, were renowned for the lavish parties they threw at their home. Bosman died of a heart attack at the age of forty-six, just a few days after one particularly memorable housewarming party.