Doc Craven's Tribute: The Legends of Springbok Rugby, 1889-1989 by Craven, Daniel Hartman
Doc Craven's Tribute: The Legends of Springbok Rugby, 1889-1989
The Uncompromised Centenary Masterwork and Personal Homage to the Ultimate Immortals of the Green and Gold
The Uncompromised Centenary Masterwork and Personal Homage to the Ultimate Immortals of the Green and Gold
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Doc Craven's Tribute: The Legends of Springbok Rugby, 1889–1989
- Author: Dr. D.H. (Daniël Hartman) Craven
- Publisher: KC Publications, Cape Town
- Publication Date: 1989
- ISBN-10: 062014176X
- ISBN-13: 9780620141765
- Edition Details: First Edition, First Printing. Official Standard Hardcover Release.
- Binding: Original publisher’s premium heavy-gauge cloth-bound hardcover casing with gold-stamped spine lettering and custom centenary endpapers.
- Physical Format: Quarto (4to), 232 pages. Lavishly enhanced with over 100 rare archival black-and-white portraits, historic match action frames, statistical performance logs, and deep bibliographic profiling sheets.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Used - Very Good (VG)
- Exterior / Boards: Die oorspronklike hardebandvleuels is in 'n baie goeie toestand. Dit vertoon heeltemal plat, skoon en robuust vierkantig by die hoekpunte, met slegs ligte, oppervlakkige stoor- of rakrywing langs die onderste rante. Die rugkant is heeltemal stewig, reguit en ongebreek, sonder enige vertikale verslapping of skuif.
- Interior: Die teksblok is uitstekend en stewig gebind. Al 232 hoëgehalte-bladsye is heeltemal skoon, liggolwend wit en volledig intact. Vry van enige potloodmerke, moderne eienaarsinskripsies, inkvlekke, biblioteekstempels of gevoude bladsyhoeke.
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The Dust Jacket: Used - Very Good (VG)
- Condition Detail: Die oorspronklike geïllustreerde gedenkstofomslag is volledig teenwoordig en toon slegs minimale rakslytasie (slight shelf wear) weens jarelange veilige bewaring op die rak. Dit is nou volkome beskerm en omhul met 'n premium Cellophane-omslag wat die kleure helder hou en die rante pragtig bewaar vir vertoning.
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in 1989 to commemorate the grand centenary of South African rugby, Doc Craven's Tribute stands as one of the most unparalleled historical assets in the history of international sports literature. Rather than delivering a dry statistical ledger, this monumental work presents a deeply personal, point-by-point homage by the ultimate titan of the game, Dr. Danie Craven, as he hand-selects and evaluates the 100 greatest legends of Springbok rugby spanning the century from 1889 to 1989.
Writing with his trademark absolute honesty, authority, and unmatched inside knowledge, "Doc" profiles early amateur giants, tactical geniuses, and physical pioneers he witnessed firsthand or shared the pitch with—ranging from legendary pioneers like Bennie Osler and Boy Louw to mid-century masters like Frik du Preez and early modern icons like Naas Botha. Craven strips down each player's strategic execution, dressing-room influence, and unique athletic architecture. Released at the twilight of both the amateur era and South Africa's international sporting isolation, this premium first-edition quarto used collectible book serves as an indispensable primary historical record and a centerpiece collectible copy for sports historians and serious Africana purists.
Author Profile: Dr. Danie Craven
Dr. Daniël Hartman Craven (1910–1993), affectionately known globally as "Doc" or "Mr. Rugby," was a towering icon of international sports culture. Before establishing himself as rugby's ultimate administrator, Craven was a legendary Springbok scrumhalf celebrated for mastering the revolutionary dive-pass, though his versatility saw him selected across almost every backline position, including fly-half, centre, and No. 8. As the longest-serving President of the South African Rugby Board (1956–1993) and a multi-term Chairman of the International Rugby Board, his influence on the rules and evolution of world rugby was absolute.
Beyond the field, Craven was a brilliant academic powerhouse who earned three distinct doctorates spanning Ethnology (1935), Psychology (1973), and Physical Education (1978). He created the physical training division of the South African Defence Force in 1941 and served as the first professor of physical education at Stellenbosch University. His unique combination of academic precision, elite athletic excellence, and decades of administrative dominance ensures that his historical works carry profound authority and unmatched bibliographic weight.
danie craven tribute 1889 1989 used collectible book rare rugby books south africa 1989 kc publications first edition hardcover springbok legends sports history centenary memorabilia 9780620141765 #
