MURRAY, Richard William. The Diamond-field keepsake for 1873.Cape Town, [1873]

4to, mm. 280x215; editorial binding in purple percaline, front cover with golden title within framed adorned with botanical motifs in gold; p. 37, 1 blank. Cover page with the author's photo portrait Oval, 7 albumin photos out of the text. Bookplates of extinct library glued to the upper inside cover “Biblioteca .. Principe Tommaso di Savoia Duca di Genova”. Trace of ink stamp on the Title-page. Excellent condition.

Very rare original edition of the first book on the discovery of diamonds in Cape Town. In this work the writer, journalist and politician in South Africa traces the history of the discovery of diamonds in the region and describes the first open mines and conditions of mining. The first four mines were dug in 1871 in areas around the Vaal River: the largest of these mines was Colesberg Kopje, which is dedicated to a chapter of the book. Of great interest the seven albumin photographs that provide an exceptional iconographic documentation in support of the statements made in the text. American Book Price Current records only one example of this work sold at international auctions of the last 35 years.The Lot is offered with a valid export licence.