One of the essential 19th-century works on African game, Harris' narrative goes far beyond big-game hunting and is an invaluable portrayal of southern Africa in mid-19th century. His work is regarded as the first and cornerstone work concerning the hunt of game animals in Africa - in other words, the first published African Safari. In many cases the illustrations were among the earliest glimpses Western peoples experienced of fascinating African animals. However, the author and his entourage travelled by wagon and oxen through the realms of the Matabele king and the Barolong country, so that he was able to describe African peoples as well. He gives interesting accounts of the Matabele people and experiences with the Bushmen, Hottentots and other tribes. His description of his stay with King Moseletatse is of great historical value. He also includes reports of The Great Trek, the massacre of Piet Retief and his party by Dingaan, the fall of Piet Uys in an abortive invasion of the Zulu territories, the death of Maritz, and annihilation of the Natal Settlers, etc. Interesting map exhibits the relative positions of the emigrant farmers and the native tribes. Note that a former owner was Air Commodore Ian Malcolm Bonham-Carter, CB, OBE (1882 1953), senior officer in the Royal Air Force. The H. B. Carter above would probably be his father, Hugh.
