The first edition of this scarce very early South African "Photobook". The book comprises 25 heavy board leaves with two vintage collotype photographs laid down on the recto and verso of each leaf, making a total of 100 images, each measuring 14x10.5cms. The images feature South African cities and towns, verdant landscapes and portraits of tribal peoples, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Zanzibar, mountain waterfalls, the "Diamond Fields" of De Beer’s Mine and others, Bird Island, King Williams Town, Natal, the Transvaal Gold Fields, Mozambique and scenes of battles from the Zulu War. All tissue guards are present. Preceding the photographs is a 56pp. section of text, entitled "South Africa, Past and Present, Including Sketches of its Principal Towns and Villages". The book is dedicated to Sir Bartle Frere with his portrait on the title page.
In the original green full leather binding with an ornate gilt embossed pictorial front board with South African scenes represented. All edges gilt. This copy has been rebacked with a plain leather spine which is untitled. The original boards are a little rubbed but still most attractive. Both front and rear hinges have been reinforced with cloth. There is very occasional and mimimal foxing internally but overall the state of the pages and images is very good.
Please note that this is a very heavy book and will incur substantial international shipping costs.
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Size: 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
