B.I. BARNATO

First edition: 208 pages, frontispiece portrait (an electro engraving), 5 plates, 4 cartoons, uncut fore edge and bottom edge, half green morocco - spine faded,  marbled paper sides, scattered foxing, a very good copy.

Mendelssohn (Sydney) South Africa Bibliography, volume 1, page 83, 'A biography of B. I. Barnato, originally known as Barnett Isaacs, one of the most striking personalities of the early days of the South African diamond fields. He was one of the founders of the De Beers Consolidated Mines, and fought his way to the Cape Parliament in spite of the fierce and determined opposition of his many enemies. Extracts from several of his speeches are given, as well as many anecdotes showing his business acumen and resourcefulness of character, and there is an account of his experiences in the Transvaal, and his opinions on the state of affairs in that country, politically and financially. The last portrait of Mr. Barnato forms the frontispiece, and there are several others, with four political cartoons. The volume ends with a short account of his tragic death at sea and his funeral in London.'