South Africa—Robert Harris | South Africa. Port Elizabeth: by the Author, 1888

South Africa—Robert Harris

South Africa. Port Elizabeth: by the Author, 1888

FIRST EDITION, folio (362 x 269mm.), letterpress title printed in red and black, 4-page “Preface”, 104 Woodburytypes on 29 mounts (some spotting to mounts), original black diced russia, brass clasps and catches, edges gilt, gilt-stamped on turn in by London agents Stafford & Guy, some spotting to mounts, binding rebacked

This was the first professionally photographed documentation of South Africa. "The production of this work has been undertaken with the aim of conveying a general idea of the scenery, gold and diamond mining districts, and mines, seaports, and the native industries and life of South Africa" (Preface).

LITERATURE:

See A.D. Bensusan, “19th century photographers in South Africa”, in: Africana notes and news (1963), 15:6, pp.219-252

PROVENANCE:

"J.R.P.", book label