AUSTRAL AFRICA (Two volume set)

VOLUME I: Pages xii + 515 with a foldout map (41 x 28cm) following.

Frontispiece portrait of John Mackenzie pasted in.

Front board has bright gilt titling and embossed Austral Africa map in black.

Gilt spine titling is rubbed.

Board corners are gently bumped.

There is an ownership stamp to the front end-paper, otherwise internally clean.

VOLUME II: Pages viii + 525 with foldout map (52 x 67cm) following, and two pages of publisher's catalogue.

The foldout map has an extensive, un-repaired tear, but no paper loss.

Frontispiece portrait of Charles Warren.

Front board has bright gilt titling and embossed Austral Africa map in black.

Gilt spine titling is clean and distinct.

There is are ownership stamps to the front  and second end-papers, otherwise internally clean.

Board corners are gently bumped.

Fraying to cloth at rear hinge.

BOTH VOLUMES: now with a loose protective plastic overwrap.

MENDELSSOHN Volume I, page 950: "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 first realised, its consummation was placed in the 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 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."