Joseph Williams and the Pioneer Mission to the South-Eastern Bantu

Published in 1954, this is Vol 1 in the Lovedale Historical Series.

The dustjacket tells us that Joseph Williams "was the first missionary to bring his wife and family among the South-Eastern Bantu. Although his service was limited to a brief two years, it is worthy of 'everlasting remembrance'"

As Williams died in 1818, leaving no portrait, the frontispiece chosen for the book shows his widow with her second husband, the Rev Adam Robinson of Port Elizabeth.

The plain buff cartridge dustjacket, with black lettering to the front and spine, is chipped, stained and rubbed, but (see image) still essentially sound. The blue cloth-boards, gilt to the spine, are in excellent condition, though with slight shelf-wear to the upper board. The plain pale green endpapers are unmarked but lightly discoloured in register with the dustjacket flaps. The binding is tight. The book's good feel is due partly to the attractive cream laid text paper. The contents - vii + 166 pp of text, 6 pp of bibliography and 14 pp of index + frontispiece and 3 other inserted b/w plates - are complete, unmarked and undiscoloured.

This is an excellent copy of a now-scarce early missionary history.