Let me say, I am by no means convinced that the idea for the philosopher-king is an impossibility or is intended as a kind of absurdity.

我要声明，我决不采信，哲学家国王概念，不可能的说法，或说那是种荒谬的说法。

Once upon a time, there was a great and ancient city with a great and ancient castle, and in that castle there lived a great philosopher-king.

很久很久以前，在一个辉煌而古老的城市，有一座辉煌而古老的城堡，里面住着一位伟大的哲学家国王。

That alone makes it essential reading for anyone intrigued by South Africa's complex philosopher-king.

仅凭这一点，任何对南非这位神秘莫测的哲学王充满兴趣的人都会认为这本传记必读不可。