Austral Africa - Losing it or Ruling it (fine two volume set, 1887)

Austral Africa: Losing it or Ruling it. Being incidents and experiences in Bechuanaland, Cape Colony, and England.

Vol. I. xii + 515pp.

Vol.II. viii + 515pp.

'This work affords the best detailed historical account of the events which led to the inclusion of Bechuanaland amongst the British colonies of South Africa - the first step towards the retention of the hinterland of the Cape for the Empire. Although Mr. Mackenzie's ideal was finally realised, its consummation was placed in other hands, and his great services were practically passed over; he was, to a great extent, a disappointed man, one of that band of earnest workers whose labours met with no practical and tangible reward in his lifetime. The work is of a voluminous nature, and it is divided into six books which discuss native life in Bechuanaland, the European expansion, the proceedings of the Dutch freebooters, and the foundation and suppression of their republic, the Imperial and Colonial policies with regard to the country, Sir Charles Warren's expedition, and many other local and colonial matters. The volumes contain a large number of illustrations, a map, and a copious index.' Mendelssohn Vol.I., page 950.