[Prof. (S. P.) Engelbrecht] - Thomas Francois Burgers: 'n Biografie

Thomas Francois Burgers

A Masterfully Rebound 1933 Historical Masterpiece

Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: Thomas Francois Burgers: 'n Biografie
• Author: Prof. S. P. Engelbrecht
• Publisher: H.A.U.M. v/h J. Dusseau & Co., Kaapstad / Pretoria
• Publication Date: 1933
• Edition Details: True First Edition
• Binding: Beautifully rebound by a master bookbinder, preserving the original decorative cloth cover face and spine components.
• Language: Afrikaans

Official Condition Report

• The Book: Very Good Plus (VG+) — Expertly Restored
• Exterior: Masterfully rebound. The original illustrated cloth cover face components survived well, keeping most of the bright gold gilt details intact. The original spine cloth was preserved and overlaid, though the gilt lettering here has dulled over time. Corners and hinges are strong and solid.
• Interior: Very good. Text block is robustly secured. Pages are clean, complete, and free of stains, annotations, or institutional marks.

Synopsis & Historical Value

Published in 1933, Dr. S. P. Engelbrecht’s Thomas Francois Burgers remains the definitive biography of the tragic, highly controversial fourth President of the South African Republic (ZAR). The text explores Burgers' enlightened, liberal theological views, his ambitious modernization schemes—including his attempts to build a Delagoa Bay railway line—and his political struggles that culminated in the British annexation of the Transvaal in 1877.

Author Profile: Prof. S. P. Engelbrecht

Professor Dr. S. P. Engelbrecht was a leading church historian and professor at the University of Pretoria. He specialized in preserving early Transvaal republican history and state documents.