Donald Smith Livres

Based on decades of extensive archival research, Seen but Not Seen uncovers a great swath of previously-unknown information about settler-Indigenous relations in Canada.

Stories told in and about gardens, from the smallest back yard to the largest country estate

The narrative follows Maghiel Grobelaar, the head of Mines, as he navigates the upheaval following the end of apartheid in South Africa. Facing job loss and the anxiety of the Afrikaner community, he devises a plan amid the chaos. The plot centers on the intricate theft of krugerrands from the Pretoria Mint, exploring themes of desperation and survival against a backdrop of political change. This story intertwines personal stakes with broader societal shifts, highlighting the tensions of a nation in transition.

The narrative unfolds as a gripping true crime account, revealing a conspiracy involving the author's fiancée, her lawyer, and corrupt government officials who attempt to silence him. It explores the lengths to which individuals in power will go to protect their illegal activities, shedding light on the darker side of government corruption and the peril faced by whistleblowers. The author's harrowing experience serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with exposing wrongdoing.

Honoré Jaxon presents the life story of a complex political figure who invented an Indigenous ancestry he did not, in fact, possess.

When the Cold War divided Berlin, the small hamlet of Steinstuecken found itself in a precarious position, caught between American and Communist interests. This neighborhood, officially part of the U.S. Occupation Sector, was entirely surrounded by East German territory, making it a de facto Western enclave in a Communist landscape. Despite its isolation, the U.S. did not abandon Steinstuecken. American officials actively defended the hamlet, frequently negotiating with Soviet authorities to protect it. During the Berlin Wall crisis, a Military Police outpost was established there to ensure its security. Steinstuecken emerged as a symbol of America's commitment to West Berlin and its resistance against Soviet influence in Europe. The narrative explores the difficulties the U.S. encountered in maintaining a secure and vibrant Berlin following the Berlin Airlift, while highlighting the bravery of Steinstuecken residents and West Berliners who stood against Communist oppression, often at great personal risk. This story illustrates the significance of Steinstuecken as a "canary in a coal mine," reflecting the broader tensions of the Cold War and the resolve to uphold democratic ideals in the face of adversity.