Wild West Adventures in the Great African Bush by David Robert Dalton

In Wild West Adventures in the Great African Bush, the Dalton brothers transform their surroundings into an imaginary frontier. The older boys form the “Messina Dalton Gang”, while young David, who calls himself “Gunslinger”, dreams of earning a place among them. Accompanied by his imaginative sidekick Tokoloshie-Two-Feathers and Jock, his three-legged Jack Russell, young David embarks on adventures filled with mischief, humour, unexpected mishaps and childhood imagination.

With contributions from Michael Gerald Dalton, Trevor Charles Dalton and Garth Hugh Dalton, Wild West Adventures in the Great African Bush presents an entertaining glimpse into family life and childhood in the South African bushveld. Its colourful recollections capture the atmosphere of small-town South Africa during an earlier era, combining nostalgia, humour and the distinctive character of rural African life.

This entertaining work of South African Africana will appeal particularly to readers interested in the history of Messina, Northern Transvaal memories, humorous autobiographical writing and stories of growing up in the African bush. Wild West Adventures in the Great African Bush is also an enjoyable choice for anyone who appreciates regional South African literature and personal reminiscences.

This particular copy is especially interesting as a 2010 first edition featuring a handwritten presentation inscription and apparent author signature, dated 7 October 2010, making it an appealing addition to a collection of signed South African books and local Africana.

Condition – Fair

Illustrated covers remain attractive, displaying light shelf and edge wear. Spine appears sound. Foxing is present on the page edges and internally, particularly on the preliminary pages. The dedication page bears a handwritten inscription together with what appears to be the author’s signature.