WILLIAM ADRIAN VAN DER STEL - AND OTHER HISTORICAL SKETCHES - THE AUTHOR’S ANNOTATED COPY WITH W.H. COETZER EX LIBRIS

The definitive copy of this work, originally Theal's own copy, extensively annotated/corrected by him in ink, possibly for a second edition. A note in pencil on a preliminary blank flyleaf, states "Dr Theal's copy with his last corrections a few days before his death". The corrections referred to are extensive and vary from marginal notes to major deletions and insertions. What makes this copy of additional interest is that it subsequently landed up in the library of the famous South African artist W.H. Coetzer, with his hand signed ex-libris on the front pastedown. 8vo. 325pp. in the original gilt embossed maroon cloth with black endpapers.

The book comprises four sections:

1. Exploration by the Portuguese of the Western Coast of Africa and Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope.

2. Four chapters on the War in the Netherlands etc.

3. Four chapters on Willem Adriaan Van Der Stel (104pp) including the notorious episode with Adam Tas and his recall to the Netherlands. (A copy of the very rare Contra Deductie by Adam Tas was sold on this site a few sales ago).

4. Two chapters on the Great Trek, Louis Triegard and Pieter Uys.

There is mild wear to the binding and the spine is minimally sunned. Generally a very good plus tight copy with intact hinges.

George McCall Theal (11 April 1837, Saint John, New Brunswick - 17 April 1919, Wynberg, Cape Town), was the most prolific and influential South African historian, archivist and genealogist of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. He wrote and published extensively on Southern Africa and is probably best known for his "History of South Africa".

A unique and important copy of this book of museum quality.