Perter (Dr. Carl)
447 pages. Hardback. 1969 reprint by The Negro University Press. Frontispiece. Cloth over board cover. Cover is clean, no damage, pages clean, binding is tight. Very Good condition.
THE ELDORADO OF THE ANCIENTS
Originally published in 1902, this work which appeared in German and English editions theorizes on the exotic origins of Zimbabwe and seeks to prove that the Ophir of the time of King Solomon was the country between the lower Zambezi and the Limpopo rivers. It also endeavors to identify the kingdom of Macombe with that of Monomotapa, and to show that the Egyptian 'Punt' expeditions were taken to this part of the continent.
The narrative covers explorations from 1896 to 1902, most of it ranging over the present-day fighting zone which lies astride the Rhodesian-Mocambique border'. This aspect heightens interest in a work which makes an important contribution to investigations into the early history of Rhodesia although more recent findings are contrary to Dr Peters' theories.
Chronologically the author's writings follow those of Bent, Hall and Neal, and Wilmot on the same subject but precede those of McIver. Perhaps the greatest interest in the work lies in Dr Peters' assessments of Rhodesian and Portuguese colonization and his forecasts for future development. He is attractive as a visionary and has been justified in the emphasis he placed on agriculture over mining in Rhodesia's formative years (he once spoke of bringing German peasants to settle the Melsetter area).
As an admirer of Darwin he used the theory of the survival of the fittest to justify the whole imperial process and it was perhaps not unnatural that he should have been appalled by the idea that blacks should have equal rights with whites before the law.
His writings, which are clarified in a most informative new Foreword contributed by Mr. A. T. Chennells of the English Department of the University of Rhodesia, offer a unique perspective on the differences of approach to colonization by the Rhodesians, Portuguese and Germans. The work is embellished with ninety-seven illustrations from original' drawings by Tennyson Cole and from photographs. It also carries two maps.
----------------------
This book ships from the US. Unless otherwise requested we ship using UPS Worldwide
- Binding Condition: Very Good
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Size: /220mm x 140mm
