Reminiscenes of a Transkeian

William Thomson Brownlee served in the Native Affairs Department in the Transkeian Territories from 1876 until 1916 when he retired as Chief Magistrate in charge of the administration of those Territories. Of him it was said, "he had a wonderful knowledge of native character and mentality. He spoke the language perfectly. In his knowledge he was without equal. He had the pen of a ready writer and the 'Dispatch' had from time to time the privilege of publishing articles by him in its columns."(Daily Dispatch,May 1933).

This book is not autobiographical but is a collection of the stories of some of the incidents and characters that filled his eventful life. Included are the exploits of the notorious gun-thief, Sidubelekana; of Beja, the legendary cattle-raider and the tragic story of the deaths of Ngamlana's three sons.There is humour in the tale of Maqashu the Ancient and the love-story of Dambuza.

The chapters entitled " Echoes of 1880" contain accounts of the adventures and personal experiences of people- both Black and White- caught up in the stirring events of the tribal uprisings of that year.....

Hardcover with dustcover and Frontispiece -Preface with map, 156 pages text with several further illustrations. Dustcover has some foxing. Occasional foxing on some page edges. Bookplate of Tennyson Smith Bodill on ffep.