`THE JOHANNESBURG SAGA` JOHN R SHORTEN, 1970

"THE JOHANNESBURG SAGA" JOHN R SHORTEN, HARDCOVER, 1970 FIRST EDITION, NO DUSTJACKET.

Originally intended as a commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of Johannesburg in 1966, publication was postponed for four years as "it became increasingly apparent that a very real need existed for a much more comprehensive record than the book originally contemplated".

From the preface: "Since Johannesburg is the 'City of Gold', I have outlined the history of Earth with particular reference to the Witwatersrand and the formation of its famous gold reefs; recorded, in as much detail as possible in a work of this kind, the history of gold-mining and of gold metallurgy; and traced the important and often decisive part played by the metal in the affairs of men and nations from the time of Menes to our day . . . " The author's coverage of the above subjects represents no more than about 10% of the book's total contents; the remaining 90% covers some 22 municipal departments and some 67 of the more prominent public companies.
 

The covers have a little shelf-wear but present very well for the book's almost fifty-year age. The binding remains excellent - rounded spine with pages opening flat. The front end-paper, a photograph of very early Johannesburg, has a little insect damage. The back endpaper is undamaged and bright. The contents, including the illustrations, are complete, unmarked and undiscoloured, making this a collectible copy. Green vynide board, gilt to the upper panel and spine, photographic endpapers, xvi + 1159 pp of colour-and b/w-illustrated prelims, mainly double-column text, bibliography and indexes.

Postage quoted for South Africa only