African Dances of the Witwatersrand Gold Mines

(Johannesburg: African Music Society, 1952). 4to; original red cloth, lettered in gilt on spine, with gilt dancer device to upper cover; pictorial dustwrapper; endpaper map; pp. (xii) + 156; numerous photographs. Dustwrapper somewhat torn, edgeworn and foxed; light bump to top fore-corner of upper board; some foxing to outermost leaves and edges, occasional fox spot elsewhere. Good to very good condition. "Hugh Tracey has long been known for his intimate studies of the music, dances and stories of many of the Bantu Tribes of Southern and Central Africa. His enthusiasm for the art of the genuine African musician, dancer and storyteller was largely responsible for the establishment of the African Music Society of which he is the Honorary Secretary. Born in England, he came to South Africa by way of the tobacco fields of Southern Rhodesia and is now engaged upon the collection of a representative library of gramophone records of African music which he hopes will firmly establish the international reputation of those African folk composers who have remained true to their craft and national genius. This book illustrates his belief that in most African settings, truth is more fascinating than romanticised fiction." Tribes whose dances are described and illustrated include the Zulu, Ngoni, Xhosa, Sotho, Pedi, Tswana, Shangaan, Ndau, Tswa and Chopi. .