Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #125 begins on 14 Aug 2025

Moodie (Lieut. J.W.D.)

TEN YEARS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Including a particular description of the wild sports of that country

Published: Richard Bentley, London, 1835

Edition: First Edition

Reserve: $750

Approximately:

Estimate: $850/950

Bidding opens: 14 Aug 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 21 Aug 16:30 GMT

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First Edition: 2 volumes: I. xii, 347. II. viii, 352 pages, lithographic frontispiece in each volume, 2 leaves of music - Hottentot Airs, half brown calf titled and decorated gilt on the spines, marbled paper sides, bookplate on the front paste-down endpapers.  The frontispieces are oxidised around the edges and are foxed which also affects the two leaves of music, the contents are bright and free of foxing. 

Dictionary of South African Biography, volume 3, page 626: ‘Moodie arrived in South Africa to join his brother Benjamin who was farming at Grootvadersbosch near Swellendam. In 1821 he obtained land at Sir Rufane Donkin's abortive Fredericksburg settlement but the following May found himself to be almost the last person left there. It was a plan of which Lord Charles Somerset had thoroughly disapproved and with Moodie's departure the scheme came to an end. He went to join Benjamin on Long Hope, the latter's new property on the west bank of the Lower Bushman River. In 1828 he tired of farming and set out on a long journey through Kaffraria before settling in Grahamstown, leaving South Africa in 1832. A prolific writer, Moodie vividly describes his various activities and travels and in, 'Ten Years in South Africa', leaves an important record of the country at that time.’ 

  • Size: 8vo (215 x 140 mm)


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