TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES IN EASTERN AFRICA, Descriptive of the Zoolus, Their Manners, Customs, Etc. Etc. With A Sketch of Natal

London: Edward Churton, 1836. 2 volumes. First Edition. A copy with pleasing provenance, being Louis Herrman’s copy. Herrman edited the modern reprint and has signed the book in Vol. II. Illustrated with 4 stone lithographic plates including the only eye witness portrait of Chaka and a folding map of Port Natal. 8vo, handsomely bound at a later date in antique half black calf over marbled boards, the spines with morocco lettering labels gilt. xxii, 345; 402, [2 ads] pp. A very handsome set, the bindings especially well preserved, internally quite bright and clean, only some normal spotting to the prelims.. ELUSIVE FIRST EDITION AND THE MAJOR SOURCE FOR ALL STUDIES OF CHAKA AND THE ZULUS AT THIS PERIOD AND OF CONSIDERABLE RARITY. LOUIS HERRMAN’S COPY, SIGNED. “Nathaniel Isaacs’s account of Natal and Zululand is unique and, as the historian Theal remarks, “a very interesting book, indispensable to a student of early events in Natal”. For it is to Isaacs that we owe, not only an observant eyewitness’s accurate description of the Zulu people before they came under European influence, but the only comprehensive account written at first hand, from day to day , of the history of the savage king Chaka...
“...Apart from its merits as an invaluable historical source Isaacs; book is a record of exciting adventures among a people to the greater number of whom the sight of a white man was a source of wonder.” - From the dustjacket of a modern edition.
“The travels of Nathaniel Isaacs is as fascinating as Robinson Crusoe.” Ian Colvin. Isaacs was the first Jew to live in Natal and left an outstanding description of events in the time of Chaka. The first edition is now very rare. S.Africa in Print p. 46. “A rare and interesting first hand account of the earliest days of Natal containing valuable information. Some Classics of Africana, Johannesburg Public Library, 1956. A very interesting book, indispensable to a student of early events in Natal. Theal, Catalogue of South African Books. “...a vivid, detailed and accurate record of the birth of a great settlement, and he deserves the acclamation of every interested historian.” MacKenton, Cradle Days of Natal.
An elusive and pleasing copy of a rare and very readable book.