Volkspele Handleiding - A.M. Kohler (Compiler)
Volkspele Handleiding (Reddingsdaadbond Edition)
A Scarce Historical Instructional Manual of Afrikaner Folk Dance and Cultural Solidarity
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Volkspele Handleiding
- Author: A.M. Kohler (Compiler)
- Publisher: Uitgegee deur die Reddingsdaadbond, Johannesburg
- Publication Date: Circa 1941–1945 (Wartime Printing / Early Edition)
- ISBN: None Issued (Pre-ISBN Antiquarian Era Monograph)
- Edition Details: Early Instructional Manual Release, issued by the Reddingsdaadbond during the height of its cultural reconstruction campaign.
- Binding: Original publisher's rustic card covers with cloth or heavy paper spine binding.
- Physical Format: Small Octavo (8vo), featuring step-by-step dance instructions, rhythm patterns, and community gathering guidelines.
- Language: Afrikaans
Official Condition Report
- The Book: Good Plus (G+) / Very Good Interior
- Exterior / Covers: Shows clear age-related wear, with handling marks and scuffing on the front and rear panels. The spine shows some aging and light wear at the ends, but the vintage binding remains completely stable.
- Interior: Very Good Plus (VG+). The inner pages are surprisingly clean and well-preserved. The binding is firm, and the text remains crisp and readable, without the typical heavy annotations found in old instructional guides.
Synopsis & Historical Value
This Volkspele Handleiding is a rare historical guide compiled by A.M. Kohler and published by the Reddingsdaadbond in the 1940s. It was designed as a practical handbook for community leaders to teach folk dancing across the country. More than just a dance manual, it played a key role in the Reddingsdaadbond's mission to rebuild social unity and pride within the Afrikaner community following the Great Depression. It offers an authentic look at how traditional arts were used for social development during a defining era in South Africa's history.
Author Profile: A.M. Kohler & The Reddingsdaadbond
A.M. Kohler was a dedicated folk culture pioneer who worked closely with the Reddingsdaadbond to document traditional dances. The Reddingsdaadbond itself was founded in 1939 by Dr J.D. Kestell to provide economic aid and promote education and cultural activities. By publishing affordable handbooks like this one, the organization helped establish a nationwide network of cultural clubs, leaving a lasting impact on the country's social history.
