Rasselas (Harry Struben's copy)

Harry Struben's copy, with his bookplate to the front pastedown, and a gift inscription to "Mastr. H. Struben" to the verso of the free endpaper. 16mo; full calf with gilt fillets to edges of boards; spine with gilt panelled effect and gilt-on-red title label; bookplate of Harry Struben to front pastedown; pp. (iv) + 219. Cover rubbed, and worn at extremities; backstrip worn at head and tail; moderate foxing throughout. The name of Harry Struben is closely associated with the discovery of the Witwatersrand's mineral wealth, but his life included many other noteworthy exploits. A transport rider, trader, innovative farmer, hunter, irregular soldier, and pioneer to the core, he was not particularly well educated, but appears to have taken full advantage of whatever schooling he did receive. The synopsis of his life appearing on the dustwrapper of his biography 'Taken at the Flood', written by a descendant, Roy Struben, notes that his life "was one of struggle and adventure; of success against the forces of nature. He was a modest man, whose qualities of courage, strength, humanity and - above all - integrity deserve for him a place in the memory of all South Africans."