History of the Colony of Natal, South Africa (First Edition)

The first full history of Natal as a British colony, by a Wesleyan missionary who lived through the early settlement.

William Clifford Holden went out to Natal in the 1840s as a Wesleyan missionary. He wrote this account only ten years after Britain had taken the territory from the Boer settlers, and it remains one of the main early narratives of the colony. It treats the first settlers, the establishment of the colonial government, the Zulu and other peoples of the region, and the country’s resources, with an optimistic view of its prospects. The appendix covers the Orange River Sovereignty, the Great Lake N’Gami and the commandos of the Dutch Boers, subjects of urgent interest to readers at the time. The Mendelssohn bibliography calls it one of the most valuable books on the early history of Natal, and it is illustrated with woodcuts and lithographs.

History of the Colony of Natal, South Africa. To which is added an appendix, containing a brief history of the Orange-River Sovereignty and of the various races inhabiting it, the Great Lake N’Gami, commandoes of the Dutch Boers, &c., &c. With three maps, and nineteen illustrations on wood and stone.

First edition. Octavo, viii, 463, [i: advertisements]pp., with three folding maps and nineteen illustrations on wood and stone. Rebound in later half brown morocco and marbled boards, spine with six raised bands, gilt-decorated compartments and gilt titling, boards ruled in gilt at the margins. The covers are in pristine condition and the binding is sound. The contents are generally clear and bright, with some sporadic and scattered foxing. The three folding maps are present and in fine order, with strong joints. A very good copy.

Not currently on display in store. For viewing or more information, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au

Catalogue Number: HH000396