South Africa: Its History, Heroes, and Wars by W. Douglas Mackenzie (Illustrated Edition), 1900 🇿🇦📜⚔️

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a 1900 illustrated edition of South Africa: Its History, Heroes, and Wars by W. Douglas Mackenzie. The book is a contemporary account of South Africa from its earliest history to the end of the 19th century, with a focus on the ongoing Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).

The volume is a record of a nation in conflict. The book's handwritten inscription from "Bessie S. Womack" dated "June 1, 1900" provides a specific history of ownership. The book is an artifact for a collector of colonial and military history.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

South Africa: Its History, Heroes, and Wars is a contemporary account of the region's history. Authored by W. Douglas Mackenzie, the book documents the history of South Africa leading up to and during the Anglo-Boer War.

The volume includes numerous engravings and maps. These visual elements provide a look into the conflict and the region. The book's content provides an unfiltered perspective on the prevailing viewpoints of the time.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

W. Douglas Mackenzie (1861-1936) was a Scottish minister, academic, and author. He was a professor at the Hartford Theological Seminary and was known for his support of the British imperial cause.

The book was published by The Saalfield Publishing Co., which was based in Akron, Ohio. The company was known for publishing illustrated works and reprints.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1900, this book documents a key moment in American history. The book reflects the American public's interest in the Anglo-Boer War and the British Empire's imperial ambitions.

The book is a record of a time when the public sought to understand global conflicts. The volume provides a look into the prevailing political and historical viewpoints of the turn of the 20th century.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is intended for a collector of military history, a scholar of colonialism, or a bibliophile specializing in 19th-century publications. The book's status as a contemporary account of the Anglo-Boer War makes it a notable item for a collection.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1900 illustrated edition is a scarce item. Its value is derived from its status as a contemporary account of the Anglo-Boer War and its physical condition. The presence of the handwritten inscription adds a layer of history.

The price is a direct reflection of the book's age for an item that is 125 years old. Its market value is based on its standing as a historical document of the Anglo-Boer War.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This copy shows wear consistent with its age.

• The binding is an embossed pictorial cloth and is intact.

• The text and illustrations are clear and readable.

• The binding shows rubbing, scuffing, and some loss of the original finish.

• The pages show some discoloration and foxing.

• The book contains a handwritten inscription.

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8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains a handwritten inscription on a flyleaf. 

• Transcription: "Bessie S. Womack, June 1, 1900"

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9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• W. Douglas Mackenzie was a Scottish minister and a vocal supporter of the British imperial cause.

• The book provides an account of the Anglo-Boer War, a conflict between the British Empire and the South African Republic.

• The book was published by The Saalfield Publishing Co. in Akron, Ohio.

• The book’s numerous engravings and maps provide a visual look into the conflict.