(1903-1988) South African writer. His novel Cry, the Beloved Country 1948 focused on racial inequality in South Africa. Later books include the study Land and People of South Africa 1956 and The Long View 1968; Debbie Go Home 1961 (short stories); political and social studies; and his autobiography Towards the Mountain 1980.
Paton was born in Pietermaritzburg. He became a schoolmaster and in 1935 the principal of a reformatory near Johannesburg, which he ran along enlightened lines.

City in Iowa (USA); zip code 50217.