Lawrence Green may have been the leading twentieth century non-fiction author-reporter writing about African people, places, stories and history.
During an active career spanning four decades, he wrote more than a book a year, even allowing for a five-year gap during the second world war. His stories continue to inform and fascinate new generations of readers - and collectors.
Green\'s first six books were published from London between 1933 and 1940, and in their original editions these titles remain scarce and, especially when in good or better condition, command high prices. Howard Timmins of Cape Town then became his regular publisher and Lawrence Green books appeared regularly from the Timmins house between 1945 and 1972. Even during this period, however, perhaps another 10 Green titles were handled by other publishers.
Depending on which list one consults, Green authored between 45 and 48 titles in English, as well as two which were published in Afrikaans as well.
The 39 titles in this lot therefore represent a very good collection, acquired over several years. This lot may be an excellent starting point for a new collector, or it may have sufficient appeal for an existing collector. Supplementary information will be provided on request by email to prospective bidders.
To make the titles easier to find, the books in the following list are placed in alphabetical rather than chronological order (and including \"A\" and \"The\").
Except where otherwise stated, the titles are first editions from the Timmins stable (which also republished most of the pre-war books) in at least very good condition, with no inscriptions, dustjackets not price-clipped, and covered in Mylar or similar materials. Short notes accompany the rarer book entries.
A Decent Fellow Doesn\'t Work
A Giant in Hiding
A Taste of South-Easter
Almost Forgotten, Never Told. Inscribed to owner and signed by author
At Daybreak for the Isles. Condition only good as dustjacket is price-clipped and the dustjacket and endpapers are chipped and there is one inscription.
Authors\' Post-War Guide. Allen & Unwin, 1947. Scarce
Beyond the City Lights
Eight Bells at Salamander
Full Many a Glorious Morning. Condition only good as pages slightly tanned
Great African Mysteries. Timmins reprint of Green\'s first book, which was originally published in London by Putnam in 1933. One inscription
Great North Road. Overall condition remains very good despite slight paper loss at the head of the spine of the dustjacket
Grow Lovely, Growing Old. Condition only good because the dustjacket has slight wear
Harbours of Memory. Dustjacket condition only good
I Heard the Old Man Say. Condition only good because of jacket edge-wear and price-clipping
In the Land of the Afternoon. Condition only good because of 2 mm paper loss at top of dustjacket spine, price-clipping and inscription
Islands Time Forgot. Putnam, 1963. Scarce
Karoo. Jacket condition good
Lawrence Green: Memories of a Friendship. Jacket condition only good because of shelf-wear and inscription
Like Diamond Blazing. Ebenezer Bayles, 1966. Jacket condition good, book fine. Scarce
Lords of the Last FrontierOn Wings of Fire. Jacket condition only good
Panther Head: The Story of the South African Bird Islands. Stanley Paul, 1955. Jacket condition only good. Scarce
Secret Africa. Timmins reprint of pre-war title. One inscription
So Few Are Free. Fourth edition. Signed by author
Something Rich and Strange. Condition good. One inscription
South African Beachcomber
Strange Africa. Timmins reprint of pre-war title
Tavern of the Seas
The Best of Lawrence Green. Edited by Scott Haigh. Bailey Brothers. Scarce
The Coast of Diamonds. Timmins reprint of pre-war title
The Coast of Treasure. Citadel Press reprint of pre-war title, 1973
The Drums of Time
There\'s a Secret Hid Away. Second edition
These Wonders to Behold. Includes two letter from the author to the owner of this copy about correcting an error in the next edition
Thunder on the Blaauwberg. Jacket condition only good. One inscripton
To the River\'s End
Under a Sky Like Flame. Condition only good
When the Journey\'s Over. Includes errata slip. Green\'s last book (1972)
Where Men Still Dream. The first Lawrence Green book published by Timmins (1945). This is a copy of the fifth edition (1951), which contained a considerable amount of new material. Dustjacket condition only good
- Size: Octavo; 100 cm shelf space; packed weight about 25 kg
- Sold By: Fontein Books
- Contact Person: Richard Proctor-Sims
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 051 773 0050/048 079 546 4032
- Preferred Payment Methods: Eft (South Africa), SWIFT (rest of world), or $ checks for US or Australian buyers
- Trade Associations: AA Approved