Abraham Paul Kriel: Sy Lewe en Werk – J.D. Kestell
Abraham Paul Kriel: Sy Lewe en Werk – J.D. Kestell
Abraham Paul Kriel: Sy Lewe en Werk (Association Provenance Copy with Original Dust Jacket)
A Biographical Account of the Visionary Founder of the Langlaagte Kinderhuis
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Abraham Paul Kriel: Sy Lewe en Werk
- Author: J.D. Kestell (John Daniel Kestell)
- Publisher: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy / Nasionale Pers, Stellenbosch / Kaapstad
- Publication Date: Circa 1930s (First Edition)
- ISBN: None Issued (Pre-dates modern ISBN systems).
- Edition Details: First Edition, Standard Hardcover Release. Exceptional family provenance association copy.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium linen cloth boards with crisp blind-stamped or gilt lettering.
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo). Augmented with historical portrait plates and early institutional photographs.
- Language: Afrikaans
Official Condition Report
- The Book: Very Good (VG)
- Exterior / Boards: The linen binding is structurally tight, flat, and square. Minor shelf friction present at corner tips, well within expected limits for a delicate mid-century volume.
- Interior: Light, natural age-toning across the text block, which remains remarkably robust and tight.
- Provenance: Features an elegant, tasteful presentation gift inscription alongside the historic Ex Libris bookplate of J.S. Kriel proudly displayed on the first page, indicating a close ancestral or institutional lineage.
- The Dust Jacket: Good (G)
- Condition Details: Now fully preserved and stabilized under a clear, archival-quality protective cover. Shows expected edge wear, surface handling, and minor paper loss along the crown and foot of the spine panel. Complete dust jackets from this publisher/era are exceptionally rare.
Synopsis & Historical Value
Written by the iconic Anglo-Boer War figure and author J.D. Kestell, this rare biography details the life, profound faith, and social welfare legacy of the Reverend Abraham Paul Kriel (1850–1928). Kriel is legendary for establishing the Langlaagte Orphanage (Kinderhuis) in the wake of the Anglo-Boer War and the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic, rescuing thousands of destitute Afrikaner children. Kestell’s narrative provides an irreplaceable cultural window into post-war reconstruction, spiritual revival, and early community-driven social services on the Witwatersrand.
Author Profile: J.D. Kestell
Affectionately known as "Vader Kestell," John Daniel Kestell was a prominent Dutch Reformed minister, author, and cultural leader who served as a frontline chaplain alongside Boer commandos. His literary contributions were foundational to early Afrikaans publishing.
