The Johannesburg Saga (1970)

Originally intended as a commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of Johannesburg in 1966, publication was postponed for four years as "it became increasingly apparent that a very real need existed for a much more comprehensive record than the book originally contemplated".

From the preface: "Since Johannesburg is the 'City of Gold', I have outlined the history of Earth with particular reference to the Witwatersrand and the formation of its famous gold reefs; recorded, in as much detail as possible in a work of this kind, the history of gold-mining and of gold metallurgy; and traced the important and often decisive part played by the metal in the affairs of men and nations from the time of Menes to our day . . . " The author's coverage of the above subjects represents no more than about 10% of the book's total contents; the remaining 90% covers some 22 municipal departments and some 67 of the more prominent public companies.

The book was also published in an Afrikaans edition.

Green vynide board, gilt to the upper panel and spine, photographic endpapers, xvi + 1159 pp of colour-and b/w-illustrated prelims, mainly double-column text, bibliography and indexes.

CONDITION. There is no dustjacket. The covers have a little shelf-wear but present very well for the book's almost fifty-year age. The binding remains excellent - rounded spine with pages opening flat. The front end-paper, a photograph of very early Johannesburg, has a little insect damage. The back endpaper is undamaged and bright. The contents, including the illustrations, are complete, unmarked and undiscoloured, making this a collectible copy.

[The images selected include part of the entry on Union Corporation, on one of whose mines the seller trained underground, and two of the four references in the book to Philippolis, where the seller has his bookshop.]