Runner & Mailcoach + Heinrich Egersdorfer

Runner & Mailcoach-Postal History and Stamps of Southern Africa.

Much has been written on the subject, yet Runner and Mailcoach, is unique. For the first time we have a comprehensive account in a single volume, not only of the postage stamps, but of the romantic and exciting postal developments in the entire sub-continent, and its adjacent islands. South Africa, Rhodesia, South West Africa, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Basutoland (Botswana) and Swaziland are all dealt with, as well as the old colonies and Boer states, including the New Republic of Stellaland, Goshen, defunct territories like Griqualand West and Zululand and such oddities as the Mount Currie Express. The Boer War is covered, as are South African ventures into the Antarctic-Marion Island, Bouvet Island and Sanae-to say nothing of Tristan da Cunha and so on.

But apart from the width of its scope, Runner & Mailcoach contains a mass of fascinating information on postal history and development, from the Bantu runner to the camel, the travelling post offices and the mail plane, much of it dug up for the first time by that master of the lesser-known aspects of South Africa, Eric Rosenthal, the 'Quiz Wizard', who also deals with unfamilar matters like the overseas mail packets before the days of steamers, and the postal arrangements of the Voortrekkers.

Hardback with dustcover(chipped)

Original dustcover-unclipped, over dark red boards with gilt blocking to upper boards and spine titles.

Half Title, Frontispiece, Title, Foreword, First Preface, Contents, List of Illustrations. Second Preface. vii plus 280 pages text with supporting illustrations and images.

Very Good

Heinrich Egersdorfer. An Old-time Sketch Book- 'n Outydse Sketsboek.

It is very much to the credit of South Africans that in recent years they have shown such great interest and pride in the early artists of their country- among whom Thomas Bowler occupies the place of honour- the prices of paintings have been rising skyhigh and that even reproductions enjoy increasing popularity.

So far, however Heinrich Egersdorfer remains a strange exception to this enthusiasm. Although he is one of the most amusing artists who ever lived in our midst, and although the charm of his work is a revelation to the newcomer, to nine out of ten of us his very name is unknown.

Illustrated Boards. Half Title, Title. 110 page text with numerous illustrations-images.

Very Good