Witchcraft and Magic of Africa ( SIGNED )

Richard Lesley, London, 1947. 1st Edition. Brown cloth titled in black. Stated "first published 1947." points slightly softened else square, tight and unmarked. The dust jacket in mylar is slightly soiled and chipped. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall. Exceptionally signed and inscribed by the author "T T C Mansfield, My friend who, having asked a specific question glued like a stalled stag at the truthful reply" Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Price-clipped.

The author was an M.O. in the African Service and had 7 years experience in southern Africa. `In the following pages I shall make an uncompromising indictment of the absurd official attitude towards witchcraft and witchdoctors. "it is only fair here and now, before we delve into some of the beliefs, habits, and customs of black Africa (known to the Zulus as Umafrika) which may appear bizarre, magical, and even sinister to us, to examine some of the problems we face. `All the dead chief's personal belonging are placed round the throne. As darkness claps down with the suddenness and finality of a giant's hand snuffing the candle of day, bowls of food begin to make their appearance. Mealie meal with bits of meat, probably tortoise, in it, swimming in a gravy of boiled ants. Other local delicacies such as ox flesh which has been salted and buried in the ground for a week, and a sort of porridge of plantains--wild bananas--add an unpalatable variety."