Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #131 begins on 21 May 2026

[Baker (Albert Weir) pseudonym]

A SOUTH AFRICAN BOY

Schoolboy life in Natal by Natalian

Published: Marshall Rusell and Co Ltd., London, 1897

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $50

Approximately:

Estimate: $70/80

Bidding opens: 21 May 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 28 May 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

Lot 115 preview

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First edition: viii, 9 -168 pages, embossed ownership mark on the front free end paper, inscription in ink on the half title page, uncut top and fore edges, green cloth boards with gilt title and decoration on the upper cover and spine, a very good copy.

Mendelssohn (Sydney) South African Bibliography, volume 2, page 87, 'A kind of colonial " Tom Brown's Schooldays," representing school and college life in Natal at the close of the nineteenth century. It is stated that although in some cases fictitious names have been given, in others the real names of the actors have been used, whilst " the narrative from beginning to end is one of actual fact."'

BAKER, Albert Weir (1856–1951) was a lawyer, lay preacher, and humanitarian. He became a leading advocate for the spiritual and physical welfare of African laborers on the Witwatersrand. He founded The South African Compounds Mission in 1896, a non-denominational mission specifically to reach the thousands of migrant laborers living in the "compounds" of the Johannesburg gold mines.

  • Overall Condition: Very good
  • Size: 8vo (200 x 140mm)


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