Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

General J. C. Smuts

TWELVE PAGE AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT 1927 “UNIEDAG” SPEECH BY JAN SMUTS

Published: Cape Town, 1927

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This is a highly important hand-written rendering (in Afrikaans) of a speech given by Smuts on the 31st. May 1927, commemorating the Peace Treaty of Vereeneging (31st. May 1902) and the establishment of the Union of South Africa (31st. May 1910). Twelve closely written pages on Library of Parliament, Cape Town letter headed paper.  Circa 1400 words. Signed by Smuts on the last leaf. The speech reveals the “holistic” perspective of Smuts as applied to history (the year after his landmark work Holism and Evolution had been published). The sadness of Vereeniging turns into a joyful Union of South Africa in 1910 and nine years later the country is taken up in the “League of Nations”. Humanity eventually carries the day and gains victory. In the speech Smuts quotes Johann Wolfgang Goethe (whom he greatly admired) in this respect: “Alle menschlichen Gebrechten sühnet seine Mensdchlichkeit”. (Pure humanity reconciles all human blemishes). I have not provided detailed extracts from this important speech (parats not easily legible), but have rather included images of all twelve pages so that interested parties can read the entire document. All pages are in very good condition and have a very light central vertical crease from folding.

Smuts autograph material of this importance is seldom offered in the market. 

  • Overall Condition: Very Good
  • Size: circa 22 x 14cms.
  • Sold By: Ronald Levine - Modern First Editions
  • Contact Person: Ronald Levine
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 011643 8437
  • Preferred Payment Methods: EFT for South African customers and International Bank Tranfer for customers abroad. I am unable to accept payment by credit card.
  • Trade Associations: SABDA


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