South Africa, from the Great Trek to the Union

Original pebbled blue boards with black lettering to front board, and gilt lettering to spine. Some foxing to prelims.

The aim of this book is to give a clear and comprehensive political history of South Africa from the period of the Great Trek, when, by the foundation of Natal and the Boer republics, its administrative unity was first lost, until the time of the re-establishment of that unity this year (1909) by the passing of the Act transforming the self-governing colonies of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Orange River, and the Transvaal into one State.

The causes which led , in the period 1836-40, to the setting up of Colonies and States independent of the Cape are told in the introductory chapter.

Throughout the book prominence is given to the movements made towards the closer union of the various communities. Unless this be done the history of South Africa is largely meaningless. Recognition of the fact that the barriers which have hitherto separated the several States are essentially artificial alone gives coherence to the story, while the accomplishment of the Union makes it possible to trace from beginning to end the thread which binds together the fortunes of all South Africans.

The narrative is written without bias, and an endeavour has been made to do full justice to both the great races- British and Dutch- whose past struggles are here recorded

Halftitle. Title. Preface. Contents. Map showing the growth of British South Africa. x plus 340 pages text with a further folding map.

Apart from foxing to the prelims, a very good reference copy.