Diary of an African Journey, 1914: The Return of H. Rider Haggard Author: Sir H. Rider Haggard (Edited and Contextualized by D.S. Higgins)
Diary of an African Journey 1914 (First Edition As New Copy)
The Intimate Edwardian Wartime Travel Log and Socio-Political Reflections of a Literary Giant
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Diary of an African Journey, 1914: The Return of H. Rider Haggard
- Author: Sir H. Rider Haggard (Edited and Contextualized by D.S. Higgins)
- Publisher: C. Hurst & Co. Publishers Ltd., London
- Publication Date: 2001
- ISBN-10: 1850654689
- Edition Details: Genuine First Edition / First Printing of this critically acclaimed posthumous diary release.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium black cloth hardcover with bright, crisp metallic gilt titles stamped smoothly across the spine.
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 253 pages. Enhanced with an extensive editorial framework, rare archival travel photographs, and historical family trees.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
- The Book: As New (Fine)
- Exterior / Boards: The hardboards are in pristine, showroom condition. Corners are perfectly sharp and pointed with a flawlessly linear spine block showing zero storage lean or handling friction.
- Interior: Flawless. The internal pages remain brilliant white, crisp, and completely unread. Free from any owner inscriptions, store stamps, highlighting, or paper imperfections.
- The Dust Jacket: As New (Fine)
- Condition Detail: The original graphic dust jacket is in immaculate, crisp condition with zero sun-fading or edge chips. It comes fully housed and protected inside a brand-new, archival-grade clear plastic protective sleeve.
Synopsis & Historical Value
In the spring of 1914, legendary adventure novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard returned to South Africa for the first time since his departure in 1881. Having left decades prior as an unknown young clerk, he returned as a world-famous literary icon whose bestsellers King Solomon's Mines and She had shaped the global imagination of the dark continent. Travelling as a high-ranking member of the Dominions Royal Commission, Haggard kept this vivid, unedited private diary recording his deep shock at how war, mining industrialization, and complex colonial politics had transformed the frontier landscapes of his youth.
Notably, this text chronicles his deep empathy regarding the socio-political plight of the Zulu people and preserves his historic face-to-face meeting with John Dube, the foundational first president of the African National Congress (ANC). This volume offers an invaluable primary source for Edwardian history buffs and literary scholars alike.
Author Profile: Sir H. Rider Haggard
Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856–1925) was a highly celebrated British author, agricultural reformer, and imperial official. His formative early years working within the colonial administration of Natal and the Transvaal deeply inspired his pioneer status within the "Lost World" literary genre. Knighted in 1912 for his extensive public and government services, Haggard devoted his later life to critical land management commissions and native affairs. His private diaries reveal a deeply analytical, reflective thinker who looked far beyond the simple romanticism of his popular fiction.
