The Northern Goldfields Diaries of Thomas Baines: First Journey 1870–1871 (Volume Two) Author: Thomas Baines
The Northern Goldfields Diaries of Thomas Baines: First Journey 1870–1871, Volume Two (Collectible First Edition Hardcover)
A Highly Important, Primary-Era Record of Southern African Exploration, Topography, and Early Prospecting, Published as Part of the Historic Oppenheimer Series
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: The Northern Goldfields Diaries of Thomas Baines: First Journey 1870–1871 (Volume Two)
- Author: Thomas Baines
- Editor: J. P. R. Wallis (John Peter Richard Wallis)
- Publisher: Chatto & Windus, London
- Publication Date: 1946
- ISBN-10: None Issued (Pre-ISBN Era)
- ISBN-13: None Issued (Pre-ISBN Era)
- Edition Details: First Edition, First Printing. Issued as Number Three in the highly prestigious Oppenheimer Series for the Government Archives of Southern Rhodesia.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium crimson cloth-bound boards featuring an ornate armorial illustration in gold gilt on the front panel and gilt-titled spine. Top page edges are finished in gilt, with other edges remaining untrimmed (deckle edges).
- Physical Format: Large Royal Octavo (8vo), continuous pagination following Volume One (comprising pages 279 through 554). Richly enhanced with a vibrant full-color frontispiece plate, half-tone archival reproductions, sketches by Thomas Baines, and large folding maps tucked into the rear block.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Very Good to Very Good Plus (VG/VG+)
o Exterior / Covers: The original crimson cloth boards are straight, solid, and exceptionally square. The bright gold gilt armorial stamp on the front face remains highly reflective. The covers exhibit standard, honest signs of age, specifically some natural sun-fading along the spine panel and a small, localized area of uneven fading immediately adjacent to the spine on the boards. The corners remain rigid, and the structural hinges are perfectly sound.
o Interior: Outstanding. The internal text block is tight, solid, and beautifully square. The pages, color plates, and large folding maps are clean, crisp, and bright white, entirely free of foxing, thumb soiling, dog-ears, or user annotations. - The Dust Jacket: Missing (Offered as a standalone cloth hardcover).
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in London in 1946 as a crowning achievement of post-war archival scholarship, The Northern Goldfields Diaries of Thomas Baines provides the definitive primary account of the early exploration of Matabeleland and Mashonaland (modern-day Zimbabwe) prior to the colonial scramble for Africa. Compiled from original handwritten records scattered across London, Johannesburg, and Salisbury, this second volume chronicles Baines's high-stakes expeditions between 1870 and 1871.
Published in London in 1946 as a crowning achievement of post-war archival scholarship, The Northern Goldfields Diaries of Thomas Baines provides the definitive primary account of the early exploration of Matabeleland and Mashonaland (modern-day Zimbabwe) prior to the colonial scramble for Africa. Compiled from original handwritten records scattered across London, Johannesburg, and Salisbury, this second volume chronicles Baines's high-stakes expeditions between 1870 and 1871.
Acting as the leader and concessionaire for the South African Goldfields Exploration Company, Baines records his tense diplomatic audiences and negotiations with the newly crowned Matabele King, Lobengula. The entries provide an exhaustive, multi-disciplinary review of the interior, combining Victorian scientific objectivity with artistic flair. Baines precise field notes record animal dimensions, cartographic coordinates, botanical discoveries, and early prospecting data from the newly discovered Tati and northern goldfields. Elevated by beautiful reproductions of his famous wilderness watercolours, this landmark Oppenheimer Series release is a cornerstone requirement for advanced collectors of rare African exploration and specialized historical cartography.
Author Profile: Thomas Baines
Thomas Baines (1820–1875) was one of the most versatile and celebrated English-born artists, explorers, cartographers, and naturalists in southern African history. Originally apprenticed as a heraldic carriage painter, Baines arrived in Cape Town in 1842, quickly establishing himself as a landscape and marine portrait painter. His thirst for exploration led him across the globe, serving as the official artist on the North Australian Expedition, traveling with Dr. David Livingstone along the Zambezi River in 1858, and trekking alongside James Chapman to Victoria Falls in 1861. His unparalleled body of artwork and detailed geographical journals remain some of the most vital, accurate, and visually stunning archival records of 19th-century African life.
Thomas Baines (1820–1875) was one of the most versatile and celebrated English-born artists, explorers, cartographers, and naturalists in southern African history. Originally apprenticed as a heraldic carriage painter, Baines arrived in Cape Town in 1842, quickly establishing himself as a landscape and marine portrait painter. His thirst for exploration led him across the globe, serving as the official artist on the North Australian Expedition, traveling with Dr. David Livingstone along the Zambezi River in 1858, and trekking alongside James Chapman to Victoria Falls in 1861. His unparalleled body of artwork and detailed geographical journals remain some of the most vital, accurate, and visually stunning archival records of 19th-century African life.
collectible book thomas baines northern goldfields diaries jpr wallis chatto windus 1946 first edition rare book oppenheimer series volume two exploration matabeleland lobengula mining prospecting maps crimson cloth used copy
