WITH A SHOW THROUGH SOUTHERN AFRICA;

First edition: 2 volumes - vol 1 viii, 290 pages, vol 11 vii, 230 pages, frontispieces in both volumes, numerous black and white plates and text illustrations, both volumes have an uncancelled library stamp on the title page, both are working loose at the hinges, half brown leather with matching cloth boards, with black title labels gilt on the spines, the covers are scuffed and worn, a good set.

Mendelssohn (Sydney) South African Bibliography, volume 1, page 505: Mr. Du Val Was a well-known entertainer, and his visit to the Cape was in connection with his profession. After some stay in Cape Town he pursued his way to the north, and there is an account of the coach journey from Beaufort West to Kimberley, with an animated description of the diamond fields. From Kimberley the author travelled through the Free State and the Eastern Province to Natal, giving a humorous and good-natured account of his adventures, with excellent character sketches of many prominent men encountered by him in his various journeys, amongst whom may be mentioned Bishop Colenso, Alfred Aylward, Sir Owen Lanyon, and Joubert. On his arrival in the Transvaal he found the country on the verge of the rebellion which soon after broke out, and he gives an intelligent account of the existing political situation.

The volumes contain an excellent account of the siege of Pretoria, and curious details, unrecorded elsewhere, make the work of the utmost value to students of the history of the country. There are a number of original illustrations, a sketch map showing the route from Durban to the Transvaal, and a rather scarce portrait of Kruger.