The Story of South Africa (1899)

by John Clark Ridpath and Edward S. Ellis

Here is a wonderful book, chock full of history by a world reknowned historian. It is the book, The Story of South Africa, by John Clark Ridpath, LL.D., and Edward S. Ellis, A.M.

This contains an account of the historical transformation of the dark continent by the European powers and the culminating contest between Great Britain and the Sourth African Republic in the Transvaal War. It is copiously illustrated with color map, half-tone portraits, sketches, scenes and war pictures.

From the publisher's preface:  "The recent startling events in Southern Africa have already evoked a number of publications, and it is certain that many others will soon appear.  the history-making instinct finds expression in both deeds and books...Truly, the African game is great.  The players are the nations; the stake is a continent.  Strange that the historians and the publicists, the statesmen of Europe and America, have not foreseen the great crisis which is now broken into war between the most powerful empire in Christendom and the little republic of the Boers beyond the Vaal!.." 

The cover is in good condition with some wear, as shown at the head/tail of the spine and at the edges/corners.  The front inner hinge is reinforced with clear binding tape.  The rear inner hinge is mostly intact.   The binding is in good condition.  The pages look good and are very legible.  

The title page was previously cut out and is missing.  We will include a copy of the title page from another same-book, for your information.  All other pages and pictures appear to be present.  There is a folded 2-page map from 1899 in the front where the title page was cut out that includes a complete index to divisions, colonies, and towns. There are no page tears, little or no foxing and the pages are only slightly age yellowed.  There is no internal handwriting or dog eared pages.  

This book measures 10 by 7 1/2 inches.  It is nearly 2 inches thick and weighs about 3 1/2 pounds.