No Charge for Delivery by C. W. L. de Souza is a fascinating and highly collectible work exploring the history of communication, transport, and postal delivery in South Africa. Published in 1969 by Books of Africa, this beautifully illustrated hardcover combines historical storytelling with visual charm, making it appealing to collectors of Africana, South African history, transport history, and postal memorabilia alike.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book traces the evolution of delivery systems and communication routes across Southern Africa, reflecting on the ingenuity and hardships involved in connecting distant settlements before modern infrastructure. The title of No Charge for Delivery itself evokes the era of handwritten correspondence, ox-wagon transport, early telegraph systems, and pioneering postal routes that shaped the development of the region.
The production quality is particularly attractive, with striking period-inspired cover art and illustrations by Brenda Lighton adding considerable visual appeal. Books of Africa publications from this period are increasingly sought after for their limited print runs, distinctive design aesthetic, and focus on African historical themes. This copy of No Charge for Delivery presents especially well on the shelf with its decorative boards and strong binding.
A desirable addition for collectors of Africana, railway and transport history, colonial South African studies, postal history, and vintage South African publishing. It would also display beautifully in a study, office, or collector's library focused on Southern African heritage.
Condition Near Fine
1969 hardcover edition in near fine condition overall. The boards remain clean and attractive with only light shelf wear. Binding is firm and sound. Internally clean and well preserved. Foxing is present, mainly to some pages and preliminaries, but does not detract significantly from the book's appeal. A very pleasing collector's copy.
