This 63pp. softcovered book was issued in 1954 to commemorate the moving of the Anton Van Wouw statue of Paul Kruger from the Pretoria Station to Church Square (where it was originally intended to be erected). The statue was unveiled by Dr. D.F. Malan. The text (in Afrikaans) relates the complex history of the Statue since it had been commissioned by Sammy Marks in 1895 and its completion and casting in Rome in 1899. There are many photographs and illustrated advertisements paying tribute to Kruger. Laid in loosely is a coloured print reproduction of Gregoire Boonzaier's portrait of Kruger.
What makes this copy very special and almost certainly unique is that the inside of the front wrapper bears 24 signatures, mainly of the hierarchy of the post-1948 Nationalist Government and the chief architects of Apartheid. The signatories include the first 3 Prime Ministers post 1948 ie. D.F. Malan, J.G. Strydom and H.F. Verwoerd. Also present are the first 4 State Presidents ie. C.R. Swart, T.E. Donges, J.F. Naude and J.J. Fouche. Other prominent politicians present include E.G. Jansen, N.C. Havenga, P.D. Sauer, Eric Louw, B.J. Schoeman and many others. Also present is Dr. Malan's wife, Maria-Ann Malan.
The booklet is in very good clean condition. The cream wrappers are slightly soiled and there is a 1cm. darkened patch/stain on the spine. The signatories have been identified by the insertion of their names lightly written in pencil. A unique item.
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Size: Small 4to.
- Sold By: Ronald Levine - Modern First Editions
- Contact Person: Ronald Levine
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 011643 8437
- Preferred Payment Methods: EFT for South African customers and International Bank Tranfer for customers abroad. I am unable to accept payment by credit card.
- Trade Associations: SABDA
