Dear Louisa - History of a Pioneer Family in Natal (1850 - 1888) - A.A. Balkema by Dr R.E. Gordon

Dear Louisa - History of a Pioneer Family in Natal (1850 - 1888) - A.A. Balkema by Dr R.E. Gordon!

South African Biographical & Historical Studies Volume 7.. Ellen McLeod's letters to her sister in England from the Byrne Valley.

This is a story of all settler experience; in addition it reveals a woman of character whose personality has lingered in the valley she loved...A classic work of reference. xi,plus 280 pages text with illustrations and maps.

A minor classic of Natal settler history, here in its first edition. "The interest of the reading public has been focussed on the arrival of the 1820 Settlers . Only 30 years later Natal saw the arrival of its settlers, the Byrne people and smaller groups under Bergtheil, Irons, Boast and others. By these people Natal was populated after the unfortunate exodus of the first Trekker farmers, and there are even now to be found many pocket communities in the province whose roots were firmly planted in the 1850's, and who are proud of their pioneering traditions. Such a community is to be found in the Byrne Valley, about 8 miles from Richmond in Natal. The McLeods were the first British family to settle there; from this remote spot Ellen McLeod wrote for 38 years continuously the letters reproduced in this book. They were sent to her sister Louisa in England & are arranged into a historical narrative that endeavours to clarify and fill in the background of Natal events. This is a story typical of all settler experience; in addition it reveals a woman of character whose personality has lingered in the valley she loved."

Postage anywhere in South Africa for this book will be R40 due to size and weight.

See scanned pictures for actual condition.

We shall consider any reasonable offers.

Please contact the seller if you have any queries or want more photos.

Please see my other auctions for more hard to find vintage collectibles!

Natal - Settlers - KZN - Zulu - Voortrekkers - Groot Trek - Voortrekker Monument - Geloftedag