Alan Paton

Profession: Author and Apartheid Activist

Nationality:

Biography: Alan Paton was a South African writer, best known as an anti-apartheid activist. His work often revolved around this theme, including his best known novel 'Cry, the Beloved Country' (1948), which follows a black village priest and a white farmer.

Paton's writing was instrumental in bringing international attention to the situation in apartheid South Africa. Shortly after publishing 'Cry, the Beloved Country,' Paton co-founded the Liberal Party of South Africa and worked to oppose apartheid laws.

While Paton travelled early in his career, upon his return to South Africa from New York in 1960, his passport was confiscated and not returned for 10 years.

Born: January 11, 1903
Birthplace: Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South Africa

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: April 12, 1988 (aged 85)
Cause of Death: Cancer