The Gold Regions of South Eastern Africa

The Gold Regions of South Eastern Africa by the late Thomas Baines. Accompanied by Biographical Sketch of the Author. With portrait, Map, and numerous Illustrations and Photographs.

Mr Baines was one of the earliest pioneers of that part of Africa now known as Rhodesia, and he obtained an important concession from Lobengula. Unfortunately his backers in Europe failed to procure the necessary working capital for the exploitation of the venture,and so the author missed making the large fortune acquired by holders of later concessions. The volume is a most important work, and contains full information of every description upon the subject of the gold discoveries in Matabelaland and Mashonaland, with much curious knowledge of the inhabitants. It is evident that the author had formed a far higher opinion of Lobengula than was the case with subsequent explorers, and he appears to have been on excellent terms with the King, at whose coronation he was present.

The book also contains an account of the gold discoveries in the Transvaal, which were then confined to the Leydenburg district, and it is stated that the Boer farmers were afraid "Llest the fame therof should get abroad and the English Government should follow and take possession of the country. Hardback with red-brown, decorative boards-gilt vignette of Zebra to front board, and gilt beatle and lettering to spine. Frontispiece-Preface xxiv, plus facsimile letter- 240 pages text with illustrations and advertising section included. Folding map in rear endpaper pocket. Very clean copy.