Rare Boer War "LADYSMITH BOMBSHELL" Souvenir Book. c.1900

SOLD

Rare, original and complete facsimile set of "The Ladysmith Bombshell" magazine, bound into a single volume and published shortly after the originals, during the Boer War (South African War) in 1900.

This book is entitled "The Ladysmith Bombshell - A Souvenir of the Siege of Ladysmith" and was published in limited numbers in 1900, soon after the end of the siege. The extremely rare, original copies of the "Bombshell" were an 8 issue publication which was produced in Ladysmith between the 18 November 1899 and the 8 January 1900. Due to the obvious paper shortages, only a few copies of each issue were published for the troops who were trapped within the town during the 118 day siege. This exact, period facsimile contains all 8 issues and was sold to the troops who were unable to obtain a copy when first published. "The Bombshell" contains news, poems, notices and amusing cartoons all relating to life in the town during the siege. It was not produced using a typewriter, but was entirely hand written and then printed.

The cover of this copy is in pretty poor condition, but most importantly the book appears to be complete (produced without page numbers) and the page binding is still strong. The soft cover has at sometime broken into pieces, most of which has been reassembled and reinforced from behind. The contents are in good condition, apart from the introduction page which is rough and has become unattached. Some of the other pages have creases and small tears. There is also a pencil inscription from the original owner? (not easily legible). Approximate dimensions : 335mm x 235mm.

A very rare and interesting item appealing to both collectors and scholars of the Anglo-Boer War.

Inventory No. O-111

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