The Downfall of Lobengula Author: W.A. Wills; L.T. Collingridge Published: 1894; Simpkin Marshall Hamilton Kent & Co Size: 22cm x 17.5cm; x + 335pp
1st edition; Signed by the author.Inscribed by the author W.A. Wills “To Mr Abe Bailey with W.A. Wills best regards 10 Sept 1894”. On the inside of the front cover is the pastedown of the owner Abe Bailey. Abe Bailey, was one of the Randlords, a South African diamond and gold tycoon, a politician, financier and cricketer. “Via his business interests and his connection with Cecil John Rhodes, whom he met at this time, he acquired substantial mining and land properties in the former Rhodesia and by the thirties had become one of the world’s richest men.” (http://abebailey.org/view.asp?pg=biography). This book is regarded as the British South Africa Company’s official account of the Matabele War of 1893, and covers the arrival of the Matabele King, Mzilikazi, in what would become Rhodesia, to the death of his successor, Lobengula. Complete with foldout maps/plans. Black and white photos throughout and some sketch drawings. At the rear of the book are some period advertisements.
Externally, the book has the original olive green cloth covered boards, with a bold printed pictorial design on the front and with black lettering to the spine. The covers have some minor shelf wear to the extremities and bumping to the corners, with a few small chips on the spine ends. Internally, binding netting is visible in the gutter between the blank opening page and the half title page. Light tanning and mild foxing to the inside pages and minor spots to some plates. Photos provided reflect the condition in addition to the above description. Overall condition is very good.
