Contact by John Lovett (1977 First Edition)

Few books capture the atmosphere, realities, and visual record of the Rhodesian Bush War as powerfully as Contact: A Tribute to Those Who Serve Rhodesia by John Lovett. First published in 1977 and regarded as one of the most iconic photographic works produced during the conflict, this large-format volume presents an extraordinary collection of photographs documenting the men and women who served in Rhodesia’s security forces during one of Africa’s most complex and controversial wars.

Rather than functioning solely as a military history, Contact serves as a visual tribute, offering candid and often striking images of soldiers, police, trackers, airmen, and support personnel in operational environments. The photographs capture training exercises, patrols, field operations, communications, and daily life, providing invaluable insight into the experiences of those involved in the conflict. The quality of the photography and production has ensured the book’s enduring appeal among collectors of Rhodesiana, military history, and African historical works.

Published by the renowned Galaxie Press of Salisbury, Contact is increasingly difficult to obtain in complete form with its original dust jacket. It remains a cornerstone title for collectors interested in Rhodesian military history, Selous Scouts, Rhodesian Light Infantry, Rhodesian African Rifles, and the wider history of Southern Africa during the 1970s.

An important and highly collectible Rhodesiana title that continues to attract international interest decades after publication.

Condition – Very Good

First edition (1977). Grey cloth boards with gilt-stamped Rhodesian Lion motif and gilt spine lettering remain bright and attractive. Boards show minor signs of historic insect damage. Internally clean and well preserved. Dust jacket is present but shows moderate wear, tears, creasing, and loss in places. A sound and desirable collector’s copy.