Why subscribe?

I teach economic history to undergraduate and graduate students and frequently write on the topic, either by contributing to research or for a more popular audience, as a columnist and blogger.

By subscribing, you will receive all my columns in English for free. I write a monthly column for South Africa’s largest Afrikaans newspaper, Rapport (paywalled), and a bi-weekly column for the largest South African news site, News24 (also paywalled). I also invite guest authors to write posts about topics that interest me.

I also have a paid subscription option. In addition to all the free posts, paid subscribers will receive access to posts about my latest (unpublished) research, first drafts of my latest (unpublished) book project, and a few other surprises. A paid subscription allows me to dedicate more time to writing, and I appreciate all the support.

There is also a founder’s option. This is for those who value my work and can support it financially. In addition to all the posts, you will receive a signed copy of my most recent book – Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom or, if you prefer, the Afrikaans edition, Skatryk.

What’s in a name?

Our Long Walk is taken from my first book, Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom, an entertaining and accessible economic history spanning everything from the human migration out of Africa 100 000 years ago to the Covid-19 pandemic. Written from an African perspective, it covers complex debates about the roots and reasons for prosperity, the march of opportunity versus the crushing boot of exploitation, and why the builders of societies – rather than the burglars ­– ultimately win out.

Says Anne McCants, professor of history at MIT:

‘Johan Fourie’s commitment to understanding the historical roots of prosperity and ensuring its wide distribution in the future makes this one of the most humane economic histories I have read.’

For more information, visit www.johanfourie.com/ourlongwalk.