Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #131 begins on 28 May 2026

Oates, Frank

MATABELE LAND AND THE VICTORIA FALLS.

A Naturalist's wanderings in the interior of South Africa. From the Letters & Journals of the Late Frank Oates, F.R.G.S

Published: C. Kegan Paul & Co., London, 1881

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $425

Approximately:

Estimate: $475

Bidding opens: 28 May 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 4 Jun 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

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First Edition. Quarter leather with cloth boards. Tooled spine with gilt lettering, Marbled end papers.

4 Fold out Maps, Colour and Black and white plates. Light Foxing in places.

Frank Oates (1840-1975) was born in Yorkshire.

Oates and his brother William arrived in Natal in 1873. After extensive travel in South Africa and Matabele Land, he died of a fever while returning to Tati in February 1975.

His work contains details of flora and fauna and detailed maps.

"At Tamasancha, which was reached on December 10th , Frank Oates, after a short rest, parted from his companions, proceeding forward on the 1th alone towards the Zambezi. The country, from this point, is only varied from sand and thick bush by the occasional occurrence of "pans" or "vleis", the favourite haunts of wading-birds and wildfowl. Soon after leaving Tamasancha one was passed (Flamakin yani) encircled by large trees, and a little later was another (Geruah) about the size of a duck-pong and extremely pretty, surrounded with the greenest of grass, whilst all around it  extended the barren and sandy veldt. About here giraffe and other game was met with, including sable antilope, eland, and wild pig. Fresh Elephant spoor was seen north of Tamasetsie."  Mendelssohn -  page 242/3

  • Binding Condition: Very Good
  • Overall Condition: Very Good
  • Size: 14,4 x 22 cm


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