The Covenant — James A. Michener

Adventurers, scoundrels and missionaries. The best and worst of two continents carve an empire out of the vast wilderness that is to become South Africa. For hundreds of years, their rivalries and passions spill across the land.

From the Java-born Van Dooms spring two great branches of the family. One will create vast, lush vineyards. The other will settle the interior and become the first Trekboers and Afrikaners.

From the Nxumalos, inhabitants of a peaceful village unchanged for centuries, come those who will unite warrior tribes into the powerful Zulu nation and intertwine forever with the Van Dooms.

From the Saltwoods, wealthy spice merchants, come missionaries and settlers who join the colored masses and influence the wars and politics that will change a nation forever.

THE COVENANT: generations of people who forge a new world in a story of adventure and heroism, love and loyalty, cruelty and betrayal.