Collector's Guide to Maps of the African Continent and Southern Africa (important bookplate)

Published by London, Carta Press, 1969, hardcover, illustrated,  25.5 cms  x 19.5 cms,, condition: very good.

The aim of this book is to provide an easy alphabetical guide to the collector of the early printed maps of the whole continent of Africa, including the Cape of Good Hope. The author lists and describes nearly 500 maps dated 1486 to 1886, with the full title, maker's name and often a short biography , size, date, edition or re-issue, and significant internal changes and variaitons for each. The introduction discusses many aspects of map production of value to the collector. Illustrated with more than 100 full-page reproductions of period maps, 6 in color. An important aid to identification for collectors, librarians and booksellers.

The compiler, Ronald Vere Tooley is the author of many reference books and pamphlets on the subject of antique maps. He started in the antique book trade in 1919. Specialising originally in colour plate books and then atlases and maps, Tooley was a partner in one of the largest antique bookshops in the world at that time. He worked  to establish one of the foremost antique map departments, supplying map dealers, museums and libraries throughout the world.

THE BOOK PLATE IS OF EDNA AND FRANK BRADLOW, WHOM MANY WILL KNOW AS COLLECTORS AND CONSULTANTS ON AFRICANA.  They were widely regarded as leading authorities on collectible early Africana, both printed works and art. They were also the authors of many books dealing with early South African history and people. Frank Bradlow was also a former chairman of the Van Riebeeck Society and wrote a short history on the Society.