The Matopos

A revised edition of "A GUIDE TO THE MATOPOS" by Dr. E. A. Nobbs.

Dr Nobbs' Guide to the Matopos was a remarkable little book. Written at a time when the hills were much less accessible than they are to-day and when the specialised scientific knowledge of Rhodesia was much more imperfect, it yet contained a wealth of interesting and valuable information. In one respect he had an inestimable advantage in that he obtained first-hand information from many who are no longer with us. I have found his information so accurate that, where there has been no special reason to do otherwise, I have accepted it and republished it without question. But circumstances have changed greatly in the passage of thirty years and scientific knowledge has progressed. Moreover, the "Guide" has become virtually unobtainable. So this new edition has, with the full sanction and approval of Dr. Nobbs, been undertaken. It is a matter of great regret that he died in October, 1956, before the publication of the new edition, in which he had taken so great an interest.

Whole sections, such as those dealing with the geology, archaeology, fauna and flora, have been rewritten, each by a recognised authority on his subject. These have a special interest, for each might serve as an introduction, intelligible to the layman, to the subject as it presents itself under Rhodesian conditions. They should appeal to any reader, irrespective of his interest in the Matopos themselves. The authorship is acknowledged with a deep sense of gratitude on my part, a sense that will, I believe, be shared by the people of the Federation.

Page extent is x plus 114 pages of text with illustrations and large folding map to rear.