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Alan Paton was born in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal on the 11th of January, 1903, son to James Paton and Eudice Warder James.
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From 1915 to 1918, Paton attended Maritzburg College. In 1919, he attended the Natal University college, graduating in 1922 with a Bachelor of Science (with distinction in physics) and a diploma in education.
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Paton worked at the Ixopo High School for White Students teaching math and chemistry and at Maritzburg College
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Paton became aware of the social problems with blacks while at the Diepkloof Reformatory. This inspired Paton to write "Cry, The Beloved Country".
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Paton's novel, Cry The Beloved Country, addressed some of the social problems that he had observed while at Diepkloof Reformatory. The publication of Cry, The Beloved Country is what gained Paton the fame of being an author.
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In May of 1948, the National Party comes to power and introduces the policy of Apartheid. The policy was a system of racial segregation, which was enforced through legislature.
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Paton and his wife, Dorris Francis, work at the Tuberculosis Settlement on Botha's Hill for one year helping cured patients return to normal life.
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Paton gives evidence at a treason trial for Nelson Mandela and others, helping to make the offence seem less severe.
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Paton publishes Kontakion for You Departed, as a tribute to his deceased wife. Later in the year, Paton marries Anne Margaret Hopkins.
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On the 12th of April, 1988, Paton died of non-specified causes in his home in Lintrose, Botha"s Hill, Natal.
