Original pale cream boards with text in red and white lettering, with quarter bound spine strip. Dustcover.
Facsimile reproduction of the 1896 edition with a new Publishers Introduction by Louis. W. Bolze and Illustrations.
In 1896 when this guide book was originally published, the only way to travel to Bulawayo was by animal-drawn vehicle- unless one was prepared to cycle along the rutted tracks through Bechuanaland(Botswana).
The railhead was at Mafeking in the Northern Cape and the extension of the line was still under construction. It was not to reach Bulawayo until the following year.
The bulk of the traffic was moved by ox-wagon which took about two months to cover the 840km (525 miles) from Mafeking to Bulawayo. Passengers used faster vehicles including American-built coaches (of the Wild West variety). Cape Carts, Scotch carts, donkey- and mule-drawn light vehicles, or made the journey on horseback. Some travelling light, even made it by foot!
Not only did the Matabele uprising of 1896 threaten the safety of the route but the outbreak of rinderpest killed off most of the trek oxen, striking a serious blow at the vital supply line.
It was against this background that the author (One Who Has Done It!) wrote this invaluable guide with its maps and hints on transport and essential equipment. It was probably the first book of its kind to be offered to the traveller to Rhodesia.
48 pages text with supporting photographs, maps and advertisements.
- Jacket Condition: Fine
- Binding Condition: Fine
- Overall Condition: Fine
- Size: 21.75 X 14/5cm.
- Sold By: Quathlamba Winds Books
- Contact Person: Ian & Yvonne Halford
- Country: United Kingdom
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 01743 361772
- Preferred Payment Methods: Paypal-Cheques-Direct Transfer to UK Bank.
- Trade Associations: SABDA
