The Dovetons of St. Helena: A Family History (Limited Edition, Signed by Author)

Cape Town: Private Printing, 1973

4to (24.8 x 18.5 x 1.5cm) 110pp. Original hardcover binding, with gilt lettering to spine, and gilt family coat of arms inlaid to front board. With dust jacket, covered with protective Brodart plastic sleeve. With various monochrome photographs and illustrations throughout text, and fold-out genealogical table at rear of book.

Limited Edition of 300 copies, of which this is no. 253. Signed by the author.

'In this story of the Doveton family, the main emphasis has been laid on its origins and on the relationship with the present-day descendants in South Africa, particularly the Carters, the McDonalds, the Moores and the Maynards. A certain amount of overlapping has thus been inevitable, for the family ramifications, over 300 years and more, take us to England, South Africa, St. Helena and India.

To allow the reader to find his way through this 'genealogical jungle', there is, following a general survey, a chapter concisely setting out the ancestry on the Doveton side of the family in South Africa. Then comes a more detailed exposition based on the many documents recovered - particularly in St. Helena and South Africa. Finally, there are separate sections devoted to more important groups, such as the 'Napoleonic', the English, the Military and the Naval Dovetons, and also the Beales, in so far as they merged with the Dovetons.' (from the synopsis on front flap of the dust jacket)

Condition: Very good. Dust jacket has some light rubbing and light edgewear, and has been covered with a protective plastic Brodart sleeve. Minor wear and edgewear to the boards, and very small bumps to the corners of the boards. Closed tear (about 14cm long) to the fold out chart at rear of book, which has been repaired with adhesive tape, leaving small stains. Light wear and light foxing to the edges of the chart. Text and illustrations are clean and clear. A well bound copy.