With a Show Through Southern Africa and Personal Reminiscences of the Transvaal War (Signed)

In 1881 Charles Henry Du Val wrote a book entitled With a Show through Southern Africa and Personal Reminiscences of the Transvaal War. He found a publisher in Tinsley Brothers of 8 Catherine Street in London, and delivered his manuscript with its numerous illustrations to them by the end of the year. The book was published in May 1882 in the form of two volumes, and was an immediate success. Over 25,000 copies were sold during the first two months (1). He then went on to make another tour in England and Ireland with his show. A second edition appeared in 1884. In the same year a one-volume popular edition was produced for the South African market, which was condensed by about a third and had fewer illustrations. The omitted information was mostly political commentary and descriptions of the African landscape, which were unnecessary for its intended primary market. It described, in a highly entertaining and informative way, his experiences while touring with his show Odds and Ends in southern Africa from 1879 to 1880, and also his time at the Siege of Pretoria in 1880-1881 during the First Boer War. Both versions were in print for many years, and enjoyed renewed interest from the outbreak of the Second Boer War in 1899 (2).

Hardcover. English. Dean & Son, London. 1885 Second Edition. 310 pp with 35 black and white illustrations, some full page, followed by 2 pages of advertisements. In somewhat worn covers, with long inscription inside. Book No: 2506860