180 pages, circular photograph of Prince Albert mounted on title page and 16 other mounted albumen print photographs, 9 charming wood-engravings in the text, some on tinted backgrounds, title page printed in gold, lilac, red and blue, original blue pebble-grained cloth with an elaborate gilt design and titling on the upper cover and spine which is starting to fray at the top and the bottom, marks on the back cover the plates are free of foxing, although some pages of text have very light foxing, a very good copy.
A remarkable production and undoubtedly Saul Solomon's finest. 6 photographs are by Kirkman of Bowler paintings, 4 are of paintings by Baines, the remaining six are original views: Graham's Town (by Green); Reception near Queen's Town; Interview with the Tambookies; Moshesh and His Councellors; Prince with Wildebeeste; Prince's Travelling Equipage. These last 5 are by York. Although Kirkman's name appears with that of York in the 'List of Illustrations' it would appear to be unjustified since, according to Bull (Majorie) and Denfield (Joseph) Secure the Shadow, Kirkman did not leave Cape Town.
The first South African publication to carry photographs was the Cape Monthly Magazine of January 1859 (York). This book on the Prince's tour was the first to be illustrated with photographs.
A South African Bibliography, volume 3, page 750, 'According to the Cape Monthly Magazine, (v. 12, 1876, p.64) Roderick Noble wrote the letter-press.'
- Overall Condition: A Very Good Copy
- Size: 4to (290 x 230 mm)
- Sold By: Clarke's Africana & Rare Books
- Contact Person: Paul Mills
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 021 794 0600
- Preferred Payment Methods: Visa & Mastercard via PayGate secure links and Bank transfers.
- Trade Associations: ABA - ILAB, SABDA
