South Africa and the Transvaal War [6 vols in 3] (1900-1901)

One might ask whether every collector has a Creswicke or whether the available sets continue to be recirculated. \"Creswicke\" comes in many forms, including six, seven or eight single volumes as well as some double volumes, all in various bindings. Six was the number in the original prospectus, and this set is in the highest level of original binding, by the best publishers, T C & E C Jack of Edinburgh (there were others). This binding has Vols 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 in double volumes half-bound in figured maroon leather and matching cloth, with gilt to the spine. The marbled endpapers and binding tapes are in a colour match. All three edges are gilt. Each double volume has some 400 pp of text as well as many plates and maps, some folding. This set is complete and unmarked.

The leather spines and corners are scuffed and rubbed and there are a few small tears, and a small loss of material at the foot of some volumes. Two of the six cloth cover panels are slightly rubbed over small areas. The bindings are tight. Foxing is limited to some early leaves after the front endpapers and before the back endpapers. Cracks are starting after the front endpapers of the first and second double volumes. A portrait plate in the second of hese was removed for photography but then replaced loosely.

All in all, this is a more than decent set of a continuing Africana classic - priced at the lower end because it is not the best set to have passed through our hands.