Tiger Tapestry by Rudy Frankel

Tiger Tapestry (Signed & Inscribed Copy in Dust Jacket and Slipcase)

The Business Memoir of the Long-Time Head of Tiger Oats, Signed and Inscribed by the Author

Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: Tiger Tapestry
• Author: Rudy Frankel
• Publisher: C Struik (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town
• Publication Date: 1988
• ISBN-10: 0869774905
• Edition Details: First Edition, 1988. Inscribed and signed by the author. Accompanied by the printed speech given on the author's retirement as Executive Chairman of Tiger Oats Limited.
• Binding: Publisher's dark brown cloth boards with gilt-stamped title and building outline to the front, in an illustrated dust jacket. Supplied in a matching cloth slipcase with printed title and thumb cut-outs.
• Physical Format: Large octavo, illustrated with black and white photographs and sketches in the text.
• Language: English

Official Condition Report

• The Book: Very Good Plus (VG+)
• Exterior / Boards: The dark brown cloth boards are clean and square, with crisp gilt stamping to the front. The spine and corners are sharp, with no wear visible. The text block edges are clean. The book is housed in a very good oatmeal-coloured cloth slipcase, which shows only light signs of use.
• Interior: The pages are clean, cream-coloured and tight, with no foxing or marks. Black and white photographs and sketches are printed throughout the text. The author's inscription appears on the front free endpaper. A separate small blue booklet, the printed speech by Mr R.L. Frankel on his retirement as Executive Chairman of Tiger Oats Limited on 1st October 1984 and his appointment to the Life Presidency, is included with the book.
• Provenance: Inscribed and signed by the author on the front free endpaper: "To Gavin, With my very kind regards, sincerely, Rudy".
• The Dust Jacket: Present. The bright, glossy, illustrated tapestry-style jacket appears intact with no tears, and is protected in a durable archival-type plastic cover.

Synopsis & Historical Value

Published in Cape Town by C. Struik in 1988, Tiger Tapestry is the autobiography of Rudy Frankel, the long-time head of Tiger Oats Limited and a prominent South African industrialist. The book follows the Frankel family and the growth of the Tiger Oats and National Milling group.

The narrative opens with the family's origins and the author's father as a produce merchant, then follows the rise of the business through the twentieth century. It also offers personal reflections on family life.

As a first-hand record of a major South African food industry enterprise, the book is of interest to students of South African commercial history. This copy is further distinguished by the author's personal inscription, the included retirement speech and its protective slipcase.

Author Profile: Rudy Frankel

Rudolf Leo Frankel, known as Rudy Frankel, was born in 1908. He is identified as the founder of Tiger Oats and led the company as Executive Chairman until his retirement in 1984, when he was appointed to the Life Presidency. Tiger Tapestry is his memoir.