The folding map is facsimile. The outer cloth hinge of volume 2 has a split from the middle of the left to the heel and half way across the spine, as can be seen in the photos. The images I have provided demonstrate the condition of these volumes, which have signs of use and wear/tear and age to the original decorative publisher's cloth binding and inner hinges. Ink ownership stamp of Saul Solomon. Solomon worked as an apprentice in a printing business that he eventually acquired and built into the largest printing business in Cape Colony. He founded the Cape Argus newspaper. He was also one of the founders of Old Mutual, today one of the largest insurance firms in South Africa. As representative for Cape Town, Solomon entered the very first Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope (Cape Parliament) when it opened in 1854. He remained an MP for this constituency until his retirement in 1883.
Chapman travelled some with Thomas Baines and also crossed paths with Charles John Andersson, but not David Livingstone, though they were out and about at the same time.
Mendelsson (Sidney) South African Bibliography vol. 1 page 321 -322: Starting from Natal, Mr Chapman traversed the eastern portion of the Orange Free State by three distinct routes, and pursuing his travels through the Western Transvaal and Bechuanaland, penetrated up to the almost unknown regions of Matableland. He also visited Walvisch Bay and Lake Ngami, and journeyed through the country of the Namaquas and Damaras.' Few South African books give better descriptions of the sport of the country and the habits and customs of the native races inhabiting the vast areas traversed, and throughout the volumes there are copious notes on the flora and fauna of the countries visited, amplified by the contents of a valuable index enriched with extracts from the works of able writers.
Kennedy(R.F.) Africana Repository, page 40, 'Baines then joined Chapman's expedition through South West Africa to the Victoria Falls….This expedition up to August 1862 Baines described in his "Explorations in South-West Africa" (London 1864)….Chapman was very angry with Baines because Baines published first and had acquired fame by exhibiting his pictures of the Victoria Falls. In a preface to Chapman's book acknowledgement is made to Charles Bell "for drawings and sketches used in illustrating these volumes". Some of the illustrations are undoubtedly after Bell, who was not a member of the expedition; some of the pictures are by Baines, but without acknowledgement. It was a pity they quarrelled because they had been friends from their first meeting in Potchefstroom in 1850.'
These volumes are located in the USA. Cheapest shipping overseas is $70 if the volumes are shipped in separate packages.
- Size: 8vo
