Colourful South Africa – South African Tourist Corporation

Colourful South Africa is a scarce and highly attractive South African Tourist Corporation publication produced during the golden age of international travel to promote South Africa to visitors from around the world. This beautifully produced landscape-format hardcover contains a selection of fifty-four colour photographs showcasing the country’s remarkable natural beauty, wildlife, cities, industries, agricultural achievements and cultural attractions.

Designed specifically for international distribution, this edition is particularly notable for presenting its accompanying text in four languages: English, French, German and Dutch. The multilingual format reflects South Africa’s efforts to attract visitors from Europe and other overseas markets during the 1950s and adds significantly to Colourful South Africa’s historical and collectible appeal.

Colourful South Africa provides a fascinating visual record of South Africa during a period of rapid development and growing international tourism. Readers are taken on a journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including celebrated botanical gardens, dramatic mountain scenery, wildlife reserves, modern urban centres and thriving industries. The high-quality colour photography remains impressive today and offers a valuable glimpse into South Africa’s landscapes and attractions as they appeared more than half a century ago.

References within the text suggest publication during the mid-1950s, making Colourful South Africa an important piece of South African tourism history. Issued by the South African Tourist Corporation rather than through commercial bookselling channels, surviving copies are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly in such well-preserved condition. The striking red and black decorative boards with gilt lettering and illustrations further enhance its appeal as both a collectible Africana item and an attractive display piece.

A desirable addition to collections of Africana, South African history, tourism memorabilia, vintage travel literature and historical photography.

Condition – Near Fine

Hardcover. Undated landscape-format volume. Decorative red and black boards with bright gilt lettering and illustrations. Light shelf wear to the extremities. Light foxing present to the end matter. Internally clean, complete and well-preserved with a sound binding and attractive presentation throughout.