Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #135 begins on 12 Nov 2026

Earl Grey

MEMOIR OF HUBERT HERVEY (1st edition, inscribed by the author)

Published: Edward Arnold, London, 1899

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $100

Approximately:

Estimate: $200 - 300

Bidding opens: 12 Nov 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 19 Nov 16:30 GMT

Ships from: United Kingdom

Lot 178 preview

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151pp, 1st Edition, inscribed by the author, complete with foldout map of Rhodesia at the rear of the book. Good condition. 

Externally, block edges are untrimmed and bound in the original vellum backed green cloth boards, gilt titling with a Rhodesia (Matabeleland) Medal vignette on the front cover. The covers and gilt stampings have faded with time and there is some shelf wear to the extremities. Gilt stamped titling on the spine has faded and the spine shows some wear at the top end which has been sympathetically repaired with some tape and the bottom end of the spine has a minor split between the front cover. Gilt top edge. Book is tightly bound.

Internally, previous owner's bookplate on the inside front pastedown and above that is inscribed "Presented by the Author”. Some tanning on the title page from the tissue insert. All other pages are clean and clear and there appears to be no foxing. 

A biographical account of Hubert Hervey, a student at Oxford and an imperialist in the late 19th century. The memoir details Hervey's life, as a student, his travels, and involvement in the British South Africa Company’s (BSAC) expansion. Hervey, joined the BSAC in 1891, was a trooper in the 1893 Matabele War and worked under Leander Starr Jameson, Administrator General for Matabeleland. Hervey died in 1896, in the second Matabele War, shortly after being appointed by the BSAC as Deputy Administrator in Barotseland. This book was written by Hervey’s cousin Earl Grey, who succeeded Jameson as Administrator of Rhodesia.

Photos provided reflect the condition in addition to the above description. 

Size: 240mm x 190mm

London, Edward Arnold, 1899

NB: This book will be shipped from Northern Ireland (UK) and will incur additional shipping & insurance costs. 

  • Binding Condition: Good
  • Overall Condition: Good
  • Size: 240mm x 190mm


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