A MANUAL OF THE FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS OF THE TRANSVAAL, WITH SWAZILAND, SOUTH AFRICA - 2 Volumes

269 pages complete. The books show much evidence of repeated happy use. The spines too were repaired by Smuts and the titles written in his hand. Both books have near pristine ex-libris plates for 'Jan Christiaan Smuts' on the inside front covers.

Part I: "Pteridophyta to Bombacaceae". The covers are much worn, stained, marked all about. At some stage they were exposed to rain and the covers have bubbling and creasing.  The contents are worn; the guttering along the final pages is cracked - but the security of the book is unaffected. Nonetheless, the pages are clean and clear, complimented by Smuts' thrillingly evocative annotations.

Part II (published 1932), illustrated by Mrs Burtt Davy, Miss M Smith and W E Trevithick, "Malvaceae to Umbelliferae (completing the Archichyamydeae)". Again the contents are much worn from repeated, avid use. The boards are worn, scuffed, marked all about from use, handling, exposure to the elements. The contents have user wear throughout.

Here then is a rare chance to own two books that were clearly cherished, repeatedly used, carried about and much loved by Smuts!