180 pages, 4to (290 x 230 mm), circular photograph of Prince Albert mounted on title page and 16 other mounted albumen print photographs, 9 charming wood-engravings in the text, some on tinted backgrounds, title page printed in gold, lilac, red and blue, original blue pebble-grained cloth with an elaborate gilt design and titling on the upper cover and spine which is starting to fray at the top and the bottom, front free endpaper has been removed, light foxing, a very good copy.
A remarkable production and undoubtedly Saul Solomon's finest. 6 photographs are by Kirkman of Bowler paintings, 4 are of paintings by Baines, the remaining six are original views: Graham's Town (by Green); Reception near Queen's Town; Interview with the Tambookies; Moshesh and His Counsellors; Prince with Wildebeeste; Prince's Travelling Equipage. These last 5 are by York.
The first South African publication to carry photographs was the Cape Monthly Magazine of January 1859 (York). This book on the Prince's tour was the first to be illustrated with photographs.
A South African Bibliography, volume 3, page 750, 'According to the Cape Monthly Magazine, (v. 12, 1876, p.64) Roderick Noble wrote the letter-press.'
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-346), 'Alfred, Prince, duke of Edinburgh (1844–1900), duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, naval officer, and son of Queen Victoria, was born Alfred Ernest Albert at Windsor Castle on 6 August 1844, the second son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. An extroverted child, his capacity for learning delighted his parents. They feared that the comparative academic weakness of his elder brother Edward, the prince of Wales, would have an adverse effect on him, and at fourteen—the earliest possible age—he joined the navy in August 1858, and was appointed to the Euryalus. His first naval journey was to the Mediterranean, South Africa, and the West Indies, returning home in August 1861. He was then appointed to the St George for service in the channel, North America, West Indies, and the Mediterranean.'
- Overall Condition: Very good
- Size: 4to (290 x 230 mm)
