A ROUGH DIAMOND IN SOUTH AFRICA (2008) [Signed copy]

With 24 inserted plates with 54 b&w and color photographs (one to four per page). Photographs provided by courtesy of De Beers Mines Ltd., and the Kimberley Africana Library. Dedicated and signed by the Author.

"This book... is primarily a compilation of memories of our stay in South Africa, from 1966, when we emigrated from the UK, to 1973, when we returned. The contributors are myself, my wife Iris, children Leon, Andrew and Julia plus a host of friends that we made during that period. It is backed up by information, obtained from the companies I worked for - Anglo American Corporation of South Africa and De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, obtained during my research mostly by a visit to Johannesburg and Kimberley in March and April of this year, 2008.

It contains a brief history of South Africa at that time and most of the mines that I worked at and places we stayed and people we met during our stay in that great country.

The body of the book is made up of memories of my working for Anglo and for De Beers. It looks at such mining magnates as Cecil Rhodes, Ernest Oppenheimer and Harry Oppenheimer who helped to make those mining companies what they are today. The text is supported by a number of images, both photographic and line drawings.

It will no doubt cause more than a mist of nostalgia to rise in the eyes of many people who lived in South Africa during the sixties and early seventies, and should especially bring back memories of all those who enjoyed working at Welkom Gold Mine, Dutoitspan and Bultfontein, De Beers, Jagersfontein, Finsch and Wesselton Diamond Mines during this period."

(from the back cover, Len Thompson 2008)

Contents:

Chapter One: Personal Background: 1964-1966;
Chapter Two: Emigration to South Africa and journey: September 1966;
Chapter Three: Welkom Gold Mine, OFS, S Africa: September 1966 - July 1968;
Chapter Four: De Beers Consolidated Mines, Kimberley, N. Cape: July 1968,
Chapter Five: Jagersfontein Mine, Orange Free State: September 1968;
Chapter Six: Finsch Mine, Lime Acres, N Cape: October 1969 - November 1970;
Chapter Seven: Wesselton Mine, Kimberley, N Cape: December 1970;
Chapter Eight: De Beers Computer Dept, Kimberley, N. Cape: June 1971;
Chapter Nine: Long leave holiday in United Kingdom: June 1971;
Chapter Ten: Return to De Beers Computer Department: September 1971 - September 1973;
Chapter Eleven: Resign from De Beers to return to UK: September 1973;
Chapter Twelve: Conclusion;
Acknowledgements;
Bibliography and list of Contributors.

Illustrated softcover; Text in English; Collation complete - (1) colophon, (2) Foreword, (1) Introduction, 210 text pages, with 24 inserted plates with 54 b&w and color photographs (one to four per page); Softcover binding is strong, tight and firm, with minor bumping to the extremities and a few negligible surface scratches, overall in immaculate condition. Interior is also in immaculate condition, apparently this volume has never been opened before us. Dedication "To Peggy, Best Regards" and signature by the Author to the top white margin of the first (colophon) page. A near fine copy.

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