Frederick Carruthers Cornell

A Rip Van Winkle of the Kalahari and Other Tales of South-west Africa (Dodo Press) Frederick Carruthers Cornell

Frederick Carruthers Cornell (1867-1921) who also wrote under the pseudonym Kalahari, was born in England, and educated at the Bedford Grammar School. He studied music and languages in London. In 1902, he came to South Africa, and displayed great interest in Namaqualand. He was an editor of The Cape Register. His publications include a volume of reminiscences The Glamour of Prospecting (1920). His collection of short stories, some of which are considered to be among South Africa's finest, are found in A Rip Van Winkle of the Kalahari and Other Tales of South-West Africa (1915). He also wrote martial poetry, including A Soldier's Song about Delville Wood in World War One. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his literary efforts.