An authentic narrative of travels and discoveries, the manners and customs of the Native tribes and the physical nature of the country
xii plus 323pp. Handsome cloth hardcover with gilt title to spine and publisher's logo to front board. DW. Edited with an introduction and notes by William F. Lye. Contemporary illustrations by Charles Davidson Bell, some of which are in colour. Portraits, maps.
Previous owner's name is penned to pre-title page. Light wear to DW edges, otherwise near fine throughout.
This is a record of one of the most significant accounts of African exploration to have been written in the nineteenth century: it is not only of great potential value to researchers in the fields of natural sciences, ethnography and history, but it is packed with the kind of detail that is sought by Africana collectors and by non-specialist readers who are hungry for the factual story of our past.
Smith (1797-1872), son of a shepherd, was born in Scotland. His family apprenticed him to a medical doctor, and he graduated as a doctor in 1819, having joined the army in the interim. Smith arrived at the Cape in 1821. He was then sent to Grahamstown, where he was nominally attached to the Cape Regiment, but travelled extensively around the frontier. It was here that Smith began to record notes on his environment, and collect samples of what he saw. He also encouraged local tribesmen to bring him specimens, skins, and day-to-day objects they used. In 1825 Lord Charles Somerset acceded to his request to set up a museum. In that year Smith moved to Cape Town and the South African Museum was established. Smith had been promoted within army structures, but spent most of his time working at the Museum.
In 1834, supported by a party of 40 members, Smith once again set forth from Graaff-Reinett on an expedition into the interior, returning in 1836 to great acclaim by the then Governor who was most impressed by Smith, for the importance and achievements of the Expedition far exceeded the considerable amount of scientific data and specimens collected, especially considering the period was one of turmoil in the territory covered.
- Jacket Condition: Very good
- Binding Condition: Fine
- Overall Condition: Near fine
- Size: 280mm x 210mm x 35mm
- Sold By: Booktown Africana
- Contact Person: Chris Shelton
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0685615292
- Preferred Payment Methods: Internet banking transfer (EFT), PAYPAL. Regret no Credit Card facility.
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